Imidazo[1,2-α]pyridine sulfonamides as TRPM8 modulators

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are compounds, compositions and methods for treating various diseases, syndromes, conditions and disorders, including pain. Such compounds are represented by Formula I as follows: 
                         
wherein Y, R 1 , R 2 , and are defined herein.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/316,031, filed on Dec. 9, 2011 which claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/421,401, filed Dec. 9, 2010, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine sulfonamides that act as modulators of the TRPM8 (transient receptor potential melastatin subfamily type 8) receptor. The present invention also relates to processes for the preparation of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine sulfonamides and to their use in treating various diseases, syndromes, and disorders, including those that cause inflammatory pain, neuropathic pain, cardiovascular diseases aggravated by cold, pulmonary diseases aggravated by cold, and combinations thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are non-selective cation channels that are activated by a variety of stimuli. Numerous members of the ion channel family have been identified to date, including the cold-menthol receptor, also called TRPM8 (McKemy D. D., et al., Nature 2002, 416(6876), 52-58). Collectively, the TRP channels and related TRP-like receptors connote sensory responsivity to the entire continuum of thermal exposure, selectively responding to threshold temperatures ranging from noxious hot to noxious cold, as well as to certain chemicals that mimic these sensations. Specifically, TRPM8 may be stimulated by cool to cold temperatures as well as by chemical agents such as menthol and icilin, which may be responsible for the therapeutic cooling sensation that these agents provoke.

TRPM8 is located on primary nociceptive neurons (A-delta and C-fibers) and is also modulated by inflammation-mediated second messenger signals (Abe, J., et al., Neurosci Lett 2006, 397(1-2), 140-144; Premkumar, L. S., et al., J. Neurosci, 2005, 25(49), 11322-11329). The localization of TRPM8 on both A-delta and C-fibers may provide a basis for abnormal cold sensitivity in pathologic conditions wherein these neurons are altered, resulting in pain, often of a burning nature (Kobayashi, K., et al., J Comp Neurol, 2005, 493(4), 596-606; Roza, C., et al., Pain, 2006, 120(1-2), 24-35; and Xing, H., et al., J Neurophysiol, 2006, 95(2), 1221-30). Cold intolerance and paradoxical burning sensations induced by chemical or thermal cooling closely parallel symptoms seen in a wide range of clinical disorders and thus provide a strong rationale for the development of TRPM8 modulators as novel antihyperalgesic or antiallodynic agents. TRPM8 is also known to be expressed in the brain, lung, bladder, gastrointestinal tract, blood vessels, prostate and immune cells, thereby providing the possibility for therapeutic modulation in a wide range of maladies.

International patent application WO 2006/040136 A1 from Bayer Healthcare AG purportedly describes substituted 4-benzyloxy-phenylmethylamide derivatives as cold menthol receptor-1 (CMR-1) antagonists for the treatment of urological disorders. International patent application WO 2006/040103 A1 from Bayer Healthcare AG purportedly describes methods and pharmaceutical compositions for treatment and/or prophylaxis of respiratory diseases or disorders.

International patent applications WO 2007/017092A1, WO 2007/017093A1 and WO 2007/017094A1, from Bayer Healthcare AG, purportedly describe benzyloxyphenylmethyl carbamate, substituted 2-benzyloxybenzoic acid amide and substituted 4-benzyloxybenzoic acid amide derivatives for the treatment of diseases associated with the cold menthol receptor (CMR), a.k.a. TRPM8.

There is a need in the art for TRPM8 modulators that can be used to treat a disease, syndrome, or condition in a mammal in which the disease, syndrome, or condition is affected by the modulation of TRPM8 receptors, such as pain, the diseases that lead to such pain, and pulmonary or vascular dysfunction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to compounds of Formula (I)

wherein

Y is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, bromo, chloro, C₃₋₆ cycloalkyl, and C₁₋₆ alkyl;

R¹ is

i) C₁₋₆alkyl wherein C₁₋₆alkyl is unsubstituted or substituted with one substituent that is C₃₋₆cycloalkyl or trifluoromethyl; or

ii) phenylmethyl wherein the phenyl ring is unsubstituted or substituted with one to three substituents each of which is independently selected from the group consisting of chloro, fluoro, bromo, C₁₋₄alkyl, C₁₋₄alkoxy, trifluoromethoxy, C₁₋₄alkoxycarbonyl, C₁₋₃alkylthio, trifluoromethylthio, cyano, trifluoromethyl, C₁₋₃ alkylsulfonyl, trifluoromethylsulfonyl, and C₁₋₃ alkylcarbonyl; with the proviso that not more than two of the substituents are selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₄alkoxy, trifluoromethoxy, C₁₋₄ alkoxycarbonyl, C₁₋₃alkylthio, trifluoromethylthio, cyano, trifluoromethyl, C₁₋₃ alkylsulfonyl, trifluoromethylsulfonyl, and C₁₋₃ alkylcarbonyl;

R² is one substituent selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl, chloro, fluoro, and trifluoromethyl; with the proviso that R² is other than 5-trifluoromethyl;

R³ is

i) C₁₋₃alkyl wherein C₁₋₃alkyl is unsubstituted or substituted with one substituent selected from the group consisting of carboxy, methoxycarbonyl, trifluoromethyl, and methoxy;

ii) —(CH₂)₂NR^(A)R^(B) wherein R^(A) and R^(B) are each independently C₁₋₆alkyl; or, R^(A) and R^(B) are taken together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached to form piperidin-1-yl;

iii) phenyl substituted at the 4-position with pyrazolyl; wherein the point of attachment of the pyrazole is through a nitrogen heteroatom;

iv) phenyl wherein phenyl is unsubstituted or substituted with one or two substituents each of which is independently selected from the group consisting of chloro, fluoro, bromo, C₁₋₄alkoxy, C₁₋₄alkoxycarbonyl, carboxy, and C₁₋₃alkyl; or

v) pyridin-3-yl substituted at the 6-position with morpholin-4-yl;

provided that a compound of Formula (I) is other than

the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is 4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R² is 7-trifluoromethyl, and R³ is phenyl; or the compound wherein Y is hydrogen, R¹ is 4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R² is 6-chloro, and R³ is 4-carboxyphenyl; and enantiomers, diastereomers, solvates, and pharmaceutically acceptable salt forms thereof.

The present invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising, consisting of and/or consisting essentially of a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent and a compound of Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt form thereof.

Also provided are processes for making a pharmaceutical composition comprising, consisting of, and/or consisting essentially of admixing a compound of Formula (I) and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent.

The present invention further provides methods for treating or ameliorating a TRPM8-modulated disorder in a subject, including a mammal and/or human in which the disease, syndrome, or condition is affected by the modulation of TRPM8 receptors, such as pain, the diseases that lead to such pain, and pulmonary or vascular dysfunction using a compound of Formula (I). In particular, the methods of the present invention are directed to treating or ameliorating a TRPM8 receptor-modulated disorder including inflammatory pain, neuropathic pain, cardiovascular diseases aggravated by cold, and pulmonary diseases aggravated by cold, using a compound of Formula (I).

The present invention also is also directed to the use of any of the compounds described herein in the preparation of a medicament wherein the medicament is prepared for treating a disease or condition selected from the group consisting of inflammatory pain, neuropathic pain, cardiovascular disease aggravated by cold, and pulmonary disease aggravated by cold, in a subject in need thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to substituents, the term “independently” refers to the situation where when more than one substituent is possible, the substituents may be the same or different from each other.

The term “alkyl” whether used alone or as part of a substituent group, refers to straight and branched carbon chains having 1 to 8 carbon atoms. Therefore, designated numbers of carbon atoms (e.g., C₁₋₈) refer independently to the number of carbon atoms in an alkyl moiety or to the alkyl portion of a larger alkyl-containing substituent. In substituent groups with multiple alkyl groups such as, (C₁₋₆alkyl)₂amino-, the C₁₋₆alkyl groups of the dialkylamino may be the same or different.

The term “alkoxy” refers to an —O-alkyl group, wherein the term “alkyl” is as defined above.

The terms “alkenyl” and “alkynyl” refer to straight and branched carbon chains having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, wherein an alkenyl chain contains at least one double bond and an alkynyl chain contains at least one triple bond.

The term “cycloalkyl” refers to saturated or partially saturated, monocyclic or polycyclic hydrocarbon rings of 3 to 14 carbon atoms. Examples of such rings include cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, and adamantyl.

The term “benzo-fused cycloalkyl” refers to a 5- to 8-membered monocyclic cycloalkyl ring fused to a benzene ring. The carbon atom ring members that form the cycloalkyl ring may be fully saturated or partially saturated.

The term “heterocyclyl” refers to a nonaromatic monocyclic or bicyclic ring system having 3 to 10 ring members that include at least 1 carbon atom and from 1 to 4 heteroatoms independently selected from N, O, and S. Included within the term heterocyclyl is a nonaromatic cyclic ring of 5 to 7 members in which 1 to 2 members are N, or a nonaromatic cyclic ring of 5 to 7 members in which 0, 1 or 2 members are N and up to 2 members are O or S and at least one member must be either N, O, or S; wherein, optionally, the ring contains 0 to 1 unsaturated bonds, and, optionally, when the ring is of 6 or 7 members, it contains up to 2 unsaturated bonds. The carbon atom ring members that form a heterocycle ring may be fully saturated or partially saturated. The term “heterocyclyl” also includes two 5 membered monocyclic heterocycloalkyl groups bridged to form a bicyclic ring. Such groups are not considered to be fully aromatic and are not referred to as heteroaryl groups. When a heterocycle is bicyclic, both rings of the heterocycle are non-aromatic and at least one of the rings contains a heteroatom ring member. Examples of heterocycle groups include, and are not limited to, pyrrolinyl (including 2H-pyrrole, 2-pyrrolinyl or 3-pyrrolinyl), pyrrolidinyl, imidazolinyl, imidazolidinyl, pyrazolinyl, pyrazolidinyl, piperidinyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, and piperazinyl. Unless otherwise noted, the heterocycle is attached to its pendant group at any heteroatom or carbon atom that results in a stable structure.

The term “benzo-fused heterocyclyl” refers to a 5 to 7 membered monocyclic heterocycle ring fused to a benzene ring. The heterocycle ring contains carbon atoms and from 1 to 4 heteroatoms independently selected from N, O, and S. The carbon atom ring members that form the heterocycle ring may be fully saturated or partially saturated. Unless otherwise noted, benzo-fused heterocycle ring is attached to its pendant group at a carbon atom of the benzene ring.

The term “aryl” refers to an unsaturated, aromatic monocyclic or bicyclic ring of 6 to 10 carbon members. Examples of aryl rings include phenyl and naphthalenyl.

The term “heteroaryl” refers to an aromatic monocyclic or bicyclic aromatic ring system having 5 to 10 ring members and which contains carbon atoms and from 1 to 4 heteroatoms independently selected from the group consisting of N, O, and S. Included within the term heteroaryl are aromatic rings of 5 or 6 members wherein the ring consists of carbon atoms and has at least one heteroatom member. Suitable heteroatoms include nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur. In the case of 5 membered rings, the heteroaryl ring preferably contains one member of nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur and, in addition, up to 3 additional nitrogens. In the case of 6 membered rings, the heteroaryl ring preferably contains from 1 to 3 nitrogen atoms. For the case wherein the 6 membered ring has 3 nitrogens, at most 2 nitrogen atoms are adjacent. Examples of heteroaryl groups include furyl, thienyl, pyrrolyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, isoxazolyl, isothiazolyl, oxadiazolyl, triazolyl, thiadiazolyl, pyridinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, indolyl, isoindolyl, benzofuryl, benzothienyl, indazolyl, benzimidazolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzoxazolyl, benzisoxazolyl, benzothiadiazolyl, benzotriazolyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl and quinazolinyl. Unless otherwise noted, the heteroaryl is attached to its pendant group at any heteroatom or carbon atom that results in a stable structure.

The term “halogen” or “halo” refers to fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine atoms.

The term “formyl” refers to the group —C(═O)H.

The term “oxo” refers to the group (═O).

Whenever the term “alkyl” or “aryl” or either of their prefix roots appear in a name of a substituent (e.g., arylalkyl, alkylamino) the name is to be interpreted as including those limitations given above for “alkyl” and “aryl.” Designated numbers of carbon atoms (e.g., C₁-C₆) refer independently to the number of carbon atoms in an alkyl moiety, an aryl moiety, or in the alkyl portion of a larger substituent in which alkyl appears as its prefix root. For alkyl and alkoxy substituents, the designated number of carbon atoms includes all of the independent members included within a given range specified. For example C₁₋₆ alkyl would include methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl and hexyl individually as well as sub-combinations thereof (e.g., C₁₋₂, C₁₋₃, C₁₋₄, C₁₋₅, C₂₋₆, C₃₋₆, C₄₋₆, C₅₋₆, C₂₋₅, etc.).

In general, under standard nomenclature rules used throughout this disclosure, the terminal portion of the designated side chain is described first followed by the adjacent functionality toward the point of attachment. Thus, for example, a “C₁-C₆ alkylcarbonyl” substituent refers to a group of the formula:

Unless otherwise noted, for the compounds of Formula (I), the R² substituent shall be denoted as bound to the 5-, 6-, 7-, or 8-position, as defined by the following numbering convention:

Unless otherwise noted, it is intended that the definition of any substituent or variable at a particular location in a molecule be independent of its definitions elsewhere in that molecule. It is understood that substituents and substitution patterns on the compounds of Formula (I) can be selected by one of ordinary skill in the art to provide compounds that are chemically stable and that can be readily synthesized by techniques known in the art as well as those methods set forth herein.

The term “subject” refers to an animal, preferably a mammal, most preferably a human, who has been the object of treatment, observation or experiment.

The term “therapeutically effective amount” refers to an amount of an active compound or pharmaceutical agent, including a compound of the present invention, which elicits the biological or medicinal response in a tissue system, animal or human that is being sought by a researcher, veterinarian, medical doctor or other clinician, which includes alleviation or partial alleviation of the symptoms of the disease, syndrome, condition, or disorder being treated.

The term “composition” refers to a product that includes the specified ingredients in therapeutically effective amounts, as well as any product that results, directly, or indirectly, from combinations of the specified ingredients in the specified amounts.

The term “antagonist” is used to refer to a compound capable of producing, depending on the circumstance, a functional antagonism of the TRPM8 ion channel, including, but not limited to, competitive antagonists, non-competitive antagonists, desensitizing agonists, and partial agonists.

The term “agonist” is used to refer to a compound that is capable of functionally activating the TRPM8 ion channel, including but not limited to full agonists, partial agonists, positive modulators, sensitizing agonists, and desensitizing agonists, whether they act orthosterically (i.e., via the menthol/icilin site) or allosterically.

As used herein, “inflammatory hypersensitivity” is used to refer to a condition that is characterized by one or more hallmarks of inflammation, including edema, erythema, hyperthermia and pain, and/or by an exaggerated physiologic or pathophysiologic response to one or more than one type of stimulation, including thermal, mechanical, and/or chemical stimulation.

The term “TRPM8-modulated” is used to refer to the condition of being affected by the modulation of the TRPM8 receptor, including the state of being mediated by the TRPM8 receptor.

An embodiment of the invention is a method of treating or preventing at least one of the following diseases, syndromes, and conditions selected from the group consisting of migraine, post herpetic neuralgia, post traumatic neuralgia, post chemotherapy neuralgia, complex regional pain syndrome I and II (CRPS I/II), fibromyalgia, inflammatory bowel disease, pruritis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, toothache, bone pain and pyresis in a subject, which method comprises, consists of, and/or consists essentially of administering to the subject, including an animal, a mammal, and a human in need of such treatment or prevention, a therapeutically effective amount of a TRPM8 antagonist that is a compound of Formula (I).

Another embodiment of the invention is a method of treating or preventing at least one of the following diseases, syndromes, and conditions selected from hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, Raynaud's disease, reperfusion injury or frostbite in a subject, which method comprises administering to the subject, including an animal, a mammal, and a human in need of such treatment or prevention a therapeutically effective amount of a TRPM8 antagonist that is a compound of Formula (I).

A further embodiment of the invention is a method of accelerating post-anesthetic recovery or post-hypothermia recovery in a subject, including an animal, a mammal, and a human, which method comprises administering to the subject, including an animal, a mammal, and a human in need of such accelerated recovery, a therapeutically effective amount of a TRPM8 antagonist that is a compound of Formula (I).

An embodiment of the present invention is directed to a compound of Formula (I)

wherein

-   a) Y is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, bromo,     chloro, cyclopropyl, and C₁₋₄ alkyl; -   b) Y is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, bromo,     chloro, cyclopropyl, methyl, ethyl, and isopropyl; -   c) R¹ is     -   i) C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with one substituent that is         C₃₋₆cycloalkyl or trifluoromethyl; or     -   ii) phenylmethyl wherein the phenyl ring is unsubstituted or         substituted with one to three substituents each of which is         independently selected from the group consisting of fluoro,         chloro, trifluoromethoxy, and trifluoromethyl; with the proviso         that not more than two of the substituents are trifluoromethoxy         or trifluoromethyl; -   d) R¹ is     -   i) C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with one substituent that is         cyclopropyl or trifluoromethyl; or     -   ii) phenylmethyl wherein the phenyl ring is substituted at the         3- or 4-positions with one to two substituents each of which is         independently selected from the group consisting of fluoro,         chloro, trifluoromethoxy, and trifluoromethyl; -   e) R¹ is     -   i) C₁₋₄alkyl substituted with one substituent that is         cyclopropyl or trifluoromethyl; or     -   ii) phenylmethyl wherein the phenyl ring is substituted at the         3- or 4-positions with one to two substituents each of which is         independently selected from the group consisting of fluoro,         chloro, trifluoromethoxy, and trifluoromethyl; -   f) R² is one substituent selected from the group consisting of     hydrogen, methyl, chloro, fluoro, and trifluoromethyl; with the     proviso that R² is other than 5-trifluoromethyl; -   g) R² is one substituent selected from the group consisting of     hydrogen, methyl, chloro, and trifluoromethyl; with the proviso that     R² is other than 5-trifluoromethyl; -   h) R³ is     -   i) unsubstituted C₁₋₃alkyl;     -   ii) —(CH₂)₂NR^(A)R^(B) wherein R^(A) and R^(B) are each         independently C₁₋₆alkyl; or, R^(A) and R^(B) are taken together         with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached to form         piperidin-1-yl;     -   iii) phenyl substituted at the 4-position with pyrazol-1-yl;     -   iv) phenyl wherein phenyl is unsubstituted or substituted with         one substituent selected from the group consisting of fluoro,         bromo, C₁₋₄alkoxycarbonyl, and carboxy; or     -   v) pyridin-3-yl substituted at the 6-position with         morpholin-4-yl; -   i) R³ is     -   i) unsubstituted C₁₋₃alkyl;     -   ii) —(CH₂)₂NR^(A)R^(B) wherein R^(A) and R^(B) are each         independently C₁₋₆alkyl;     -   iii) phenyl substituted at the 4-position with pyrazol-1-yl;     -   iv) phenyl wherein phenyl is unsubstituted or substituted with         one or two substituents each of which is independently selected         from the group consisting of fluoro, bromo, methoxycarbonyl, and         carboxy; or     -   v) pyridin-3-yl substituted at the 6-position with         morpholin-4-yl; -   j) R³ is     -   i) methyl;     -   ii) phenyl substituted at the 4-position with pyrazol-1-yl;     -   iii) phenyl wherein phenyl is unsubstituted or substituted at         the 4-position with one substituent selected from the group         consisting of fluoro, bromo, methoxycarbonyl, and carboxy; or     -   iv) pyridin-3-yl substituted at the 6-position with         morpholin-4-yl;         and any combination of embodiments a) through j) above, provided         that it is understood that combinations in which different         embodiments of the same substituent would be combined are         excluded;         provided that a compound of Formula (I) is other than

the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is 4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R² is 7-trifluoromethyl, and R³ is phenyl; or the compound wherein Y is hydrogen, R¹ is 4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R² is 6-chloro, and R³ is 4-carboxyphenyl; and enantiomers, diastereomers, solvates and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a compound of Formula (I)

wherein

Y is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, bromo, chloro, cyclopropyl, and C₁₋₄ alkyl;

R¹ is

-   i) C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with one substituent that is C₃₋₆cycloalkyl     or trifluoromethyl; or -   ii) phenylmethyl wherein the phenyl ring is unsubstituted or     substituted with one to three substituents each of which is     independently selected from the group consisting of fluoro, chloro,     trifluoromethoxy, and trifluoromethyl; with the proviso that not     more than two of the substituents are trifluoromethoxy or     trifluoromethyl;

R² is one substituent selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl, chloro, fluoro, and trifluoromethyl; with the proviso that R² is other than 5-trifluoromethyl;

R³ is

-   i) unsubstituted C₁₋₃alkyl -   ii) —(CH₂)₂NR^(A)R^(B) wherein R^(A) and R^(B) are each     independently C₁₋₆alkyl; or, R^(A) and R^(B) are taken together with     the nitrogen atom to which they are attached to form piperidin-1-yl;     -   wherein R^(A) and R^(B) are each independently C₁₋₆alkyl; or,         R^(A) and R^(B) are taken together with the nitrogen atom to         which they are attached to form piperidin-1-yl, and said         piperidin-1-yl is unsubstituted or substituted at the 4-position         with phenyl; -   iii) phenyl substituted at the 4-position with pyrazol-1-yl; -   iv) phenyl wherein phenyl is unsubstituted or substituted with one     substituent selected from the group consisting of fluoro, bromo,     C₁₋₄alkoxycarbonyl, and carboxy; or -   v) pyridin-3-yl substituted at the 6-position with morpholin-4-yl;     provided that a compound of Formula (I) is other than

the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is 4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R² is 7-trifluoromethyl, and R³ is phenyl; or the compound wherein Y is hydrogen, R¹ is 4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R² is 6-chloro, and R³ is 4-carboxyphenyl; and enantiomers, diastereomers, solvates and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a compound of Formula (I)

wherein

Y is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, bromo, chloro, cyclopropyl, methyl, ethyl, and isopropyl;

R¹ is

-   i) C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with one substituent that is cyclopropyl or     trifluoromethyl; or -   ii) phenylmethyl wherein the phenyl ring is substituted at the 3- or     4-positions with one to two substituents each of which is     independently selected from the group consisting of fluoro, chloro,     trifluoromethoxy, and trifluoromethyl;

R² is one substituent selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl, chloro, and trifluoromethyl; with the proviso that R² is other than 5-trifluoromethyl;

R³ is

-   i) unsubstituted C₁₋₃alkyl; -   ii) —(CH₂)₂NR^(A)R^(B) wherein R^(A) and R^(B) are each     independently C₁₋₆alkyl; -   iii) phenyl substituted at the 4-position with pyrazol-1-yl; -   iv) phenyl wherein phenyl is unsubstituted or substituted with one     or two substituents each of which is independently selected from the     group consisting of fluoro, bromo, methoxycarbonyl, and carboxy; or -   v) pyridin-3-yl substituted at the 6-position with morpholin-4-yl;     provided that a compound of Formula (I) is other than

the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is 4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R² is 7-trifluoromethyl, and R³ is phenyl; or the compound wherein Y is hydrogen, R¹ is 4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R² is 6-chloro, and R³ is 4-carboxyphenyl; and enantiomers, diastereomers, solvates and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a compound of Formula (I)

wherein

Y is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, bromo, chloro, cyclopropyl, methyl, ethyl, and isopropyl;

R¹ is

-   i) C₁₋₄alkyl substituted with one substituent that is cyclopropyl or     trifluoromethyl; or -   ii) phenylmethyl wherein the phenyl ring is substituted at the 3- or     4-positions with one to two substituents each of which is     independently selected from the group consisting of fluoro, chloro,     trifluoromethoxy, and trifluoromethyl;

R² is one substituent selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl, chloro, and trifluoromethyl; with the proviso that R² is other than 5-trifluoromethyl;

R³ is

-   i) methyl; -   ii) phenyl substituted at the 4-position with pyrazol-1-yl; -   iii) phenyl wherein phenyl is unsubstituted or substituted at the     4-position with one substituent selected from the group consisting     of fluoro, bromo, methoxycarbonyl, and carboxy; or -   iv) pyridin-3-yl substituted at the 6-position with morpholin-4-yl;     provided that a compound of Formula (I) is other than

the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is 4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R² is 7-trifluoromethyl, and R³ is phenyl; or the compound wherein Y is hydrogen, R¹ is 4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R² is 6-chloro, and R³ is 4-carboxyphenyl; and enantiomers, diastereomers, solvates and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

A further embodiment of the present invention is directed to a compound of Formula (I)

selected from the group consisting of

-   the compound wherein Y is chloro, R¹ is     4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is hydrogen, and R³ is     phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is bromo, R¹ is     4-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is hydrogen, and R³ is methyl; -   the compound wherein Y is chloro, R¹ is     4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R² is hydrogen, and R³ is phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is bromo, R¹ is     4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R² is hydrogen, and R³ is methyl; -   the compound wherein Y is bromo, R¹ is     4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R² is hydrogen, and R³ is phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is chloro, R¹ is     4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R² is hydrogen, and R³ is     4-carboxyphenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is chloro, R¹ is     4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R² is 6-chloro, and R³ is phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is chloro, R¹ is     4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is 6-chloro, and R³ is     phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is chloro, R¹ is     4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R² is hydrogen, and R³ is     4-fluorophenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is chloro, R¹ is     4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is hydrogen, and R³ is     4-fluorophenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R² is hydrogen, and R³ is phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is hydrogen, R¹ is     4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R² is hydrogen, and R³ is phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is hydrogen, R¹ is     4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is hydrogen, and R³ is     phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R² is 7-chloro, and R³ is phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is 7-chloro, and R³ is     phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is chloro, R¹ is 4-fluorophenylmethyl, R² is     6-chloro, and R³ is phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is chloro, R¹ is phenylmethyl, R² is     6-chloro, and R³ is phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is chloro, R¹ is 3,4-difluorophenylmethyl, R²     is 6-chloro, and R³ is phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R² is 6-fluoro, and R³ is phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is 6-fluoro, and R³ is     phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is 6-fluoro, and R³ is     phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R² is 6-fluoro, and R³ is methyl; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is 6-fluoro, and R³ is     methyl; -   the compound wherein Y is hydrogen, R¹ is     3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is hydrogen, and R³ is     phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is bromo, R¹ is     3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is hydrogen, and R³ is     phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R² is 7-methyl, and R³ is phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is 7-methyl, and R³ is     phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is 7-methyl, and R³ is     phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is chloro, R¹ is     3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is 6-chloro, and R³ is     phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R² is 8-methyl, and R³ is phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is 8-methyl, and R³ is     phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is 8-methyl, and R³ is     phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     4-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is 8-methyl, and R³ is phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     3-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is 8-methyl, and R³ is phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is 8-methyl, and R³ is     methyl; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R² is 6-chloro, and R³ is phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is 6-chloro, and R³ is     phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is 6-chloro, and R³ is     phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R² is 6-methyl, and R³ is phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is 6-methyl, and R³ is     phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is 6-methyl, and R³ is     phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is 7-methyl, and R³ is     4-bromophenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     4-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is 6-chloro, and R³ is phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     3-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is 6-chloro, and R³ is phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     3-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R² is 6-chloro, and R³ is phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     3-chloro-4-fluorophenylmethyl, R² is 6-chloro, and R³ is phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R² is 5-methyl, and R³ is phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is 5-methyl, and R³ is     phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is 5-methyl, and R³ is     phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is isopropyl, R¹ is     4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is hydrogen, and R³ is     phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is isopropyl, R¹ is     3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is hydrogen, and R³ is     phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is isopropyl, R¹ is     4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R² is hydrogen, and R³ is phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is isopropyl, R¹ is     4-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is hydrogen, and R³ is phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is isopropyl, R¹ is     3-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is hydrogen, and R³ is phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is ethyl, R¹ is     4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is 8-trifluoromethyl, and     R³ is phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is ethyl, R¹ is     3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is 8-trifluoromethyl, and     R³ is phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is ethyl, R¹ is     4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R² is 8-trifluoromethyl, and R³ is     phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is ethyl, R¹ is     4-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is 8-trifluoromethyl, and R³ is     phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is ethyl, R¹ is     3-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is 8-trifluoromethyl, and R³ is     phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is chloro, R¹ is     3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is 6-trifluoromethyl, and     R³ is phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is chloro, R¹ is     4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R² is 6-trifluoromethyl, and R³ is     phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is chloro, R¹ is     4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is 6-trifluoromethyl, and     R³ is phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is ethyl, R¹ is 2-cyclopropyl-ethyl, R² is     8-trifluoromethyl, and R³ is phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is ethyl, R¹ is 4-trifluoromethyl-butyl, R²     is 8-trifluoromethyl, and R³ is phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is ethyl, R¹ is cyclopropylmethyl, R² is     8-trifluoromethyl, and R³ is phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is ethyl, R¹ is 2-trifluoromethyl-ethyl, R²     is 8-trifluoromethyl, and R³ is phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R² is 7-methyl, and R³ is     4-fluorophenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is 6-methyl, and R³ is     4-fluorophenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is cyclopropyl, R¹ is     4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is hydrogen, and R³ is     phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is cyclopropyl, R¹ is     3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is hydrogen, and R³ is     phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is cyclopropyl, R¹ is     4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R² is hydrogen, and R³ is phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is cyclopropyl, R¹ is     4-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is hydrogen, and R³ is phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is cyclopropyl, R¹ is     3-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is hydrogen, and R³ is phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is chloro, R¹ is     3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is 6-chloro, and R³ is     6-(morpholin-4-yl)-pyridin-3-yl; -   the compound wherein Y is bromo, R¹ is     3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is hydrogen, and R³ is     4-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is chloro, R¹ is     4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R² is 6-chloro, and R³ is     6-(morpholin-4-yl)-pyridin-3-yl; -   the compound wherein Y is bromo, R¹ is     4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R² is hydrogen, and R³ is     4-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is chloro, R¹ is     4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is 6-chloro, and R³ is     6-(morpholin-4-yl)-pyridin-3-yl; -   the compound wherein Y is bromo, R¹ is     4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is hydrogen, and R³ is     4-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is ethyl, R¹ is     3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is 5-methyl, and R³ is     phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is ethyl, R¹ is     3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is 6-chloro, and R³ is     phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is ethyl, R¹ is     4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is 6-chloro, and R³ is     phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is bromo, R¹ is phenylmethyl, R² is hydrogen,     and R³ is 6-(morpholin-4-yl)-pyridin-3-yl; -   the compound wherein Y is bromo, R¹ is     4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R² is hydrogen, and R³ is     6-(morpholin-4-yl)-pyridin-3-yl; -   the compound wherein Y is bromo, R¹ is     3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is hydrogen, and R³ is     6-(morpholin-4-yl)-pyridin-3-yl; -   the compound wherein Y is bromo, R¹ is     4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is hydrogen, and R³ is     6-(morpholin-4-yl)-pyridin-3-yl; -   the compound wherein Y is ethyl, R¹ is     3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is 6-chloro, and R³ is     6-(morpholin-4-yl)-pyridin-3-yl; -   the compound wherein Y is ethyl, R¹ is     3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is 6-chloro, and R³ is     4-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is ethyl, R¹ is     4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R² is 6-chloro, and R³ is     4-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is chloro, R¹ is     4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is hydrogen, and R³ is     6-(morpholin-4-yl)-pyridin-3-yl; -   the compound wherein Y is chloro, R¹ is     3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is hydrogen, and R³ is     6-(morpholin-4-yl)-pyridin-3-yl; -   the compound wherein Y is chloro, R¹ is     4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R² is hydrogen, and R³ is     6-(morpholin-4-yl)-pyridin-3-yl; -   the compound wherein Y is chloro, R¹ is     4-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is hydrogen, and R³ is     6-(morpholin-4-yl)-pyridin-3-yl; -   the compound wherein Y is chloro, R¹ is     3-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is hydrogen, and R³ is     6-(morpholin-4-yl)-pyridin-3-yl; -   the compound wherein Y is chloro, R¹ is     4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is hydrogen, and R³ is     4-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is chloro, R¹ is     3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is hydrogen, and R³ is     4-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is chloro, R¹ is     4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R² is hydrogen, and R³ is     4-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is chloro, R¹ is     4-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is hydrogen, and R³ is     4-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is chloro, R¹ is     3-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is hydrogen, and R³ is     4-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is 7-trifluoromethyl, and     R³ is phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is 7-trifluoromethyl, and     R³ is phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is 6-chloro, and R³ is     4-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is 6-chloro, and R³ is     4-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R² is 6-chloro, and R³ is     4-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     4-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is 6-chloro, and R³ is     4-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R² is 7-trifluoromethyl, and R³ is     2-(di-isobutylamino)ethyl; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R² is hydrogen, and R³ is     4-carboxyphenyl sodium salt-phenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is isopropyl, R¹ is     4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R² is hydrogen, and R³ is     4-methoxycarbonylphenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is isopropyl, R¹ is     4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R² is hydrogen, and R³ is     4-carboxyphenyl sodium salt; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R² is 6-chloro, and R³ is     4-methoxycarbonylphenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is 3,4-difluorophenylmethyl, R²     is 6-chloro, and R³ is 4-methoxycarbonylphenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is 6-chloro, and R³ is     4-methoxycarbonylphenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R² is 6-chloro, and R³ is     4-carboxyphenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is 3,4-difluorophenylmethyl, R²     is 6-chloro, and R³ is 4-carboxyphenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is 6-chloro, and R³ is     4-carboxyphenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is chloro, R¹ is     4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R² is hydrogen, and R³ is     4-methoxycarbonylphenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R² is 8-methyl, and R³ is     4-carboxyphenyl sodium salt; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R² is 6-fluoro, and R³ is     4-methoxycarbonylphenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is 6-fluoro, and R³ is     4-methoxycarbonylphenyl; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R² is 6-fluoro, and R³ is     4-carboxyphenyl sodium salt; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylphenylmethyl, R² is 6-fluoro, and R³ is     4-carboxyphenyl sodium salt; -   the compound wherein Y is methyl, R¹ is     4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R² is 7-fluoro, and R³ is     4-carboxyphenyl sodium salt;     and pharmaceutically acceptable salt forms thereof.

For use in medicine, salts of compounds of Formula (I) refer to non-toxic “pharmaceutically acceptable salts.” Other salts may, however, be useful in the preparation of compounds of Formula (I) or of their pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable salts of compounds of Formula (I) include acid addition salts which can, for example, be formed by mixing a solution of the compound with a solution of a pharmaceutically acceptable acid such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, succinic acid, acetic acid, benzoic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, carbonic acid or phosphoric acid. Furthermore, where the compounds of Formula (I) carry an acidic moiety, suitable pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof may include alkali metal salts, such as sodium or potassium salts; alkaline earth metal salts, such as calcium or magnesium salts; and salts formed with suitable organic ligands, such as quaternary ammonium salts. Thus, representative pharmaceutically acceptable salts include acetate, benzenesulfonate, benzoate, bicarbonate, bisulfate, bitartrate, borate, bromide, calcium edetate, camsylate, carbonate, chloride, clavulanate, citrate, dihydrochloride, edetate, edisylate, estolate, esylate, fumarate, gluceptate, gluconate, glutamate, glycollylarsanilate, hexylresorcinate, hydrabamine, hydrobromide, hydrochloride, hydroxynaphthoate, iodide, isothionate, lactate, lactobionate, laurate, malate, maleate, mandelate, mesylate, methylbromide, methylnitrate, methylsulfate, mucate, napsylate, nitrate, N-methylglucamine ammonium salt, oleate, pamoate (embonate), palmitate, pantothenate, phosphate/diphosphate, polygalacturonate, salicylate, stearate, sulfate, subacetate, succinate, tannate, tartrate, teoclate, tosylate, triethiodide and valerate.

Representative acids that may be used in the preparation of pharmaceutically acceptable salts include, but are not limited to, acids including acetic acid, 2,2-dichloroacetic acid, acylated amino acids, adipic acid, alginic acid, ascorbic acid, L-aspartic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, benzoic acid, 4-acetamidobenzoic acid, (+)-camphoric acid, camphorsulfonic acid, (+)-(1S)-camphor-10-sulfonic acid, capric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, cinnamic acid, citric acid, cyclamic acid, dodecylsulfuric acid, ethane-1,2-disulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, 2-hydroxy-ethanesulfonic acid, formic acid, fumaric acid, galactaric acid, gentisic acid, glucoheptonic acid, D-gluconic acid, D-glucoronic acid, L-glutamic acid, α-oxo-glutaric acid, glycolic acid, hippuric acid, hydrobromic acid, hydrochloric acid, (+)-L-lactic acid, (±)-DL-lactic acid, lactobionic acid, maleic acid, (−)-L-malic acid, malonic acid, (±)-DL-mandelic acid, methanesulfonic acid, naphthalene-2-sulfonic acid, naphthalene-1,5-disulfonic acid, 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid, nicotinic acid, nitric acid, oleic acid, orotic acid, oxalic acid, palmitic acid, pamoic acid, phosphoric acid, L-pyroglutamic acid, salicylic acid, 4-amino-salicylic acid, sebaic acid, stearic acid, succinic acid, sulfuric acid, tannic acid, (+)-L-tartaric acid, thiocyanic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid and undecylenic acid.

Representative bases that may be used in the preparation of pharmaceutically acceptable salts include, but are not limited to, the following bases including ammonia, L-arginine, benethamine, benzathine, calcium hydroxide, choline, deanol, diethanolamine, diethylamine, 2-(diethylamino)-ethanol, ethanolamine, ethylenediamine, N-methyl-glucamine, hydrabamine, 1H-imidazole, L-lysine, magnesium hydroxide, 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-morpholine, piperazine, potassium hydroxide, 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-pyrrolidine, sodium hydroxide, triethanolamine, tromethamine and zinc hydroxide.

Embodiments of the present invention include prodrugs of compounds of Formula (I). In general, such prodrugs will be functional derivatives of the compounds that are readily convertible in vivo into the required compound. Thus, in the methods of treating or preventing embodiments of the present invention, the term “administering” encompasses the treatment or prevention of the various diseases, conditions, syndromes and disorders described with the compound specifically disclosed or with a compound that may not be specifically disclosed, but which converts to the specified compound in vivo after administration to a patient. Conventional procedures for the selection and preparation of suitable prodrug derivatives are described, for example, in “Design of Prodrugs”, ed. H. Bundgaard, Elsevier, 1985. Where the compounds according to embodiments of this invention have at least one chiral center, they may accordingly exist as enantiomers.

Where the compounds possess two or more chiral centers, they may additionally exist as diastereomers. It is to be understood that all such isomers and mixtures thereof are encompassed within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, some of the crystalline forms for the compounds may exist as polymorphs and as such are intended to be included in the present invention. In addition, some of the compounds may form solvates with water (i.e., hydrates) or common organic solvents, and such solvates are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of this invention. The skilled artisan will understand that the term “compound” as used herein, is meant to include solvated compounds of Formula (I).

Where the processes for the preparation of the compounds according to certain embodiments of the invention give rise to a mixture of stereoisomers, these isomers may be separated by conventional techniques such as preparative chromatography. The compounds may be prepared in racemic form, or individual enantiomers may be prepared either by enantiospecific synthesis or by resolution. The compounds may, for example, be resolved into their component enantiomers by standard techniques, such as the formation of diastereomeric pairs by salt formation with an optically active acid, such as (−)-di-p-toluoyl-d-tartaric acid and/or (+)-di-p-toluoyl-1-tartaric acid followed by fractional crystallization and regeneration of the free base. The compounds may also be resolved by formation of diastereomeric esters or amides, followed by chromatographic separation and removal of the chiral auxiliary. Alternatively, the compounds may be resolved using a chiral HPLC column.

One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a composition, including a pharmaceutical composition, comprising, consisting of, and/or consisting essentially of the (+)-enantiomer of a compound of Formula (I) wherein said composition is substantially free from the (−)-isomer of said compound. In the present context, substantially free means less than about 25%, preferably less than about 10%, more preferably less than about 5%, even more preferably less than about 2% and even more preferably less than about 1% of the (−)-isomer calculated as

${{\%( + )} - {enantiomer}} = {\frac{\left( {{{mass}( + )} - {enantiomer}} \right)}{\left( {{{mass}( + )} - {enantiomer}} \right) + \left( {{{mass}( - )} - {enantiomer}} \right)} \times 100}$

Another embodiment of the present invention is a composition, including a pharmaceutical composition, comprising, consisting of, and consisting essentially of the (−)-enantiomer of a compound of Formula (I) wherein said composition is substantially free from the (+)-isomer of said compound. In the present context, substantially free from means less than about 25%, preferably less than about 10%, more preferably less than about 5%, even more preferably less than about 2% and even more preferably less than about 1% of the (+)-isomer calculated as

${{\%( + )} - {enantiomer}} = {\frac{\left( {{{mass}( - )} - {enantiomer}} \right)}{\left( {{{mass}( + )} - {enantiomer}} \right) + \left( {{{mass}( - )} - {enantiomer}} \right)} \times 100}$

During any of the processes for preparation of the compounds of the various embodiments of the present invention, it may be necessary and/or desirable to protect sensitive or reactive groups on any of the molecules concerned. This may be achieved by means of conventional protecting groups, such as those described in Protective Groups in Organic Chemistry, ed. J. F. W. McOmie, Plenum Press, 1973; and T. W. Greene & P. G. M. Wuts, Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, John Wiley & Sons, 1999. The protecting groups may be removed at a convenient subsequent stage using methods known from the art.

Even though the compounds of embodiments of the present invention (including their pharmaceutically acceptable salts and pharmaceutically acceptable solvates) can be administered alone, they will generally be administered in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent selected with regard to the intended route of administration and standard pharmaceutical or veterinary practice. Thus, particular embodiments of the present invention are directed to pharmaceutical and veterinary compositions comprising compounds of Formula (I) and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, and/or pharmaceutically acceptable diluent

By way of example, in the pharmaceutical compositions of embodiments of the present invention, the compounds of Formula (I) may be admixed with any suitable binder(s), lubricant(s), suspending agent(s), coating agent(s), solubilizing agent(s), and combinations thereof.

Solid oral dosage forms, such as tablets or capsules, containing the compounds of the present invention may be administered in at least one dosage form at a time, as appropriate. It is also possible to administer the compounds in sustained release formulations.

Additional oral forms in which the present inventive compounds may be administered include elixirs, solutions, syrups, and suspensions; each optionally containing flavoring agents and coloring agents.

Alternatively, compounds of Formula (I) can be administered by inhalation (intratracheal or intranasal) or in the form of a suppository or pessary, or they may be applied topically in the form of a lotion, solution, cream, ointment or dusting powder. For example, they can be incorporated into a cream comprising, consisting of, and/or consisting essentially of an aqueous emulsion of polyethylene glycols or liquid paraffin. They can also be incorporated, at a concentration of between about 1% and about 10% by weight of the cream, into an ointment comprising, consisting of, and/or consisting essentially of a white wax or white soft paraffin base together with any stabilizers and preservatives as may be required. An alternative means of administration includes transdermal administration by using a skin or transdermal patch. The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention (as well as the compounds of the present invention alone) can also be injected parenterally, for example intracavernosally, intravenously, intramuscularly, subcutaneously, intradermally or intrathecally. In this case, the compositions will also include at least one of a suitable carrier, a suitable excipient, and a suitable diluent.

For parenteral administration, the pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention are best used in the form of a sterile aqueous solution that may contain other substances, for example, enough salts and monosaccharides to make the solution isotonic with blood.

For buccal or sublingual administration, the pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention may be administered in the form of tablets or lozenges, which can be formulated in a conventional manner.

By way of further example, pharmaceutical compositions containing at least one of the compounds of Formula (I) as the active ingredient can be prepared by mixing the compound(s) with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent, and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient according to conventional pharmaceutical compounding techniques. The carrier, excipient, and diluent may take a wide variety of forms depending upon the desired route of administration (e.g., oral, parenteral, etc.). Thus for liquid oral preparations, such as suspensions, syrups, elixirs and solutions, suitable carriers, excipients and diluents include water, glycols, oils, alcohols, flavoring agents, preservatives, stabilizers, coloring agents and the like; for solid oral preparations, such as powders, capsules and tablets, suitable carriers, excipients and diluents include starches, sugars, diluents, granulating agents, lubricants, binders, disintegrating agents and the like. Solid oral preparations also may be optionally coated with substances, such as sugars, or be enterically-coated so as to modulate the major site of absorption and disintegration. For parenteral administration, the carrier, excipient and diluent will usually include sterile water, and other ingredients may be added to increase solubility and preservation of the composition. Injectable suspensions or solutions may also be prepared utilizing aqueous carriers along with appropriate additives, such as solubilizers and preservatives.

A therapeutically effective amount of a compound of Formula (I) or a pharmaceutical composition thereof includes a dose range from about 0.1 mg to about 3000 mg, in particular from about 1 mg to about 1000 mg or, more particularly, from about 10 mg to about 500 mg of active ingredient in a regimen of about 1 to 4 times per day for an average (70 kg) human; although, it is apparent to one skilled in the art that the therapeutically effective amount for active compounds of the invention will vary as will the diseases, syndromes, conditions, and disorders being treated.

For oral administration, a pharmaceutical composition is preferably provided in the form of tablets containing about 0.01, about 10, about 50, about 100, about 150, about 200, about 250, and about 500 milligrams of the inventive compound as the active ingredient.

Advantageously, a compound of Formula (I) may be administered in a single daily dose, or the total daily dosage may be administered in divided doses of two, three and four times daily. Optimal dosages of a compound of Formula (I) to be administered may be readily determined and will vary with the particular compound used, the mode of administration, the strength of the preparation, and the advancement of the disease, syndrome, condition, or disorder. In addition, factors associated with the particular subject being treated, including subject age, weight, diet and time of administration, will result in the need to adjust the dose to achieve an appropriate therapeutic level. The above dosages are thus exemplary of the average case. There can be, of course, individual instances wherein higher or lower dosage ranges are merited, and such are within the scope of this invention.

Compounds of Formula (I) may be administered in any of the foregoing compositions and dosage regimens or by means of those compositions and dosage regimens established in the art whenever use of a compound of Formula (I) is required for a subject in need thereof.

As agonists of the TRPM8 ion channel, the compounds of Formula (I) are useful in methods for treating and preventing a disease, a syndrome, a condition, or a disorder in a subject, including an animal, a mammal and a human in which the disease, the syndrome, the condition, or the disorder is affected by the modulation of TRPM8 receptors. Such methods comprise, consist of, and consist essentially of administering to a subject, including an animal, a mammal, and a human in need of such treatment or prevention a therapeutically effective amount of a compound, salt, or solvate of Formula (I). In particular, the compounds of Formula (I) are useful for preventing or treating prostate cancer.

As antagonists of the TRPM8 ion channel, the compounds of Formula (I) are useful in methods for treating and preventing a disease, a syndrome, a condition, or a disorder in a subject, including an animal, a mammal and a human in which the disease, the syndrome, the condition, or the disorder is affected by the modulation of TRPM8 receptors. Such methods comprise, consist of, and consist essentially of administering to a subject, including an animal, a mammal, and a human in need of such treatment or prevention a therapeutically effective amount of a compound, salt, or solvate of Formula (I). In particular, the compounds of Formula (I) are useful for preventing or treating pain, or diseases, syndromes, conditions, or disorders causing such pain, or pulmonary or vascular dysfunction. More particularly, the compounds of Formula (I) are useful for preventing or treating inflammatory pain, inflammatory hypersensitivity conditions, neuropathic pain, anxiety, depression, and cardiovascular disease aggravated by cold, including peripheral vascular disease, vascular hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, Raynaud's disease, and coronary artery disease, by administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of Formula (I).

Examples of inflammatory pain include pain due to a disease, condition, syndrome, disorder, or a pain state including inflammatory bowel disease, visceral pain, migraine, post-operative pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, back pain, lower back pain, joint pain, abdominal pain, chest pain, labor, musculoskeletal diseases, skin diseases, toothache, pyresis, burn, sunburn, snake bite, venomous snake bite, spider bite, insect sting, neurogenic bladder, interstitial cystitis, urinary tract infection, rhinitis, contact dermatitis/hypersensitivity, itch, eczema, pharyngitis, mucositis, enteritis, irritable bowel syndrome, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, postmastectomy pain syndrome, menstrual pain, endometriosis, sinus headache, tension headache, or arachnoiditis. One type of inflammatory pain is inflammatory hyperalgesia, which can be further distinguished as inflammatory somatic hyperalgesia or inflammatory visceral hyperalgesia. Inflammatory somatic hyperalgesia can be characterized by the presence of an inflammatory hyperalgesic state in which a hypersensitivity to thermal, mechanical and/or chemical stimuli exists. Inflammatory visceral hyperalgesia can also be characterized by the presence of an inflammatory hyperalgesic state, in which an enhanced visceral irritability exists.

Examples of inflammatory hyperalgesia include a disease, syndrome, condition, disorder, or pain state including inflammation, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, back pain, joint pain, abdominal pain, musculoskeletal diseases, skin diseases, post operative pain, headaches, toothache, burn, sunburn, insect sting, neurogenic bladder, urinary incontinence, interstitial cystitis, urinary tract infection, cough, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, rhinitis, contact dermatitis/hypersensitivity, itch, eczema, pharyngitis, enteritis, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel diseases including Crohn's Disease or ulcerative colitis.

One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method for treating inflammatory somatic hyperalgesia in which a hypersensitivity to thermal, mechanical and/or chemical stimuli exists, comprising the step of administering to a subject in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of a compound, salt or solvate of Formula (I).

A further embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method for treating inflammatory visceral hyperalgesia in which a enhanced visceral irritability exists, comprising, consisting of, and/or consisting essentially of the step of administering to a subject in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of a compound, salt or solvate of Formula (I).

A further embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method for treating neuropathic cold allodynia in which a hypersensitivity to a cooling stimuli exists, comprising, consisting of, and/or consisting essentially of the step of administering to a subject in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of a compound, salt or solvate of Formula (I).

Examples of an inflammatory hypersensitivity condition include urinary incontinence, benign prostatic hypertrophy, cough, asthma, rhinitis and nasal hypersensitivity, itch, contact dermatitis and/or dermal allergy, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Examples of a neuropathic pain include pain due to a disease, syndrome, condition, disorder, or pain state including cancer, neurological disorders, spine and peripheral nerve surgery, brain tumor, traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord trauma, chronic pain syndrome, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, neuralgias (trigeminal neuralgia, glossopharyngeal neuralgia, postherpetic neuralgia and causalgia), lupus, sarcoidosis, peripheral neuropathy, bilateral peripheral neuropathy, diabetic neuropathy, central pain, neuropathies associated with spinal cord injury, stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, sciatic neuritis, mandibular joint neuralgia, peripheral neuritis, polyneuritis, stump pain, phantom limb pain, bony fractures, oral neuropathic pain, Charcot's pain, complex regional pain syndrome I and II (CRPS I/II), radiculopathy, Guillain-Barre syndrome, meralgia paresthetica, burning-mouth syndrome, optic neuritis, postfebrile neuritis, migrating neuritis, segmental neuritis, Gombault's neuritis, neuronitis, cervicobrachial neuralgia, cranial neuralgia, geniculate neuralgia, glossopharyngial neuralgia, migrainous neuralgia, idiopathic neuralgia, intercostals neuralgia, mammary neuralgia, Morton's neuralgia, nasociliary neuralgia, occipital neuralgia, red neuralgia, Sluder's neuralgia, splenopalatine neuralgia, supraorbital neuralgia, vulvodynia, or vidian neuralgia.

One type of neuropathic pain is neuropathic cold allodynia, which can be characterized by the presence of a neuropathy-associated allodynic state in which a hypersensitivity to cooling stimuli exists. Examples of neuropathic cold allodynia include allodynia due to a disease, condition, syndrome, disorder or pain state including neuropathic pain (neuralgia), pain arising from spine and peripheral nerve surgery or trauma, traumatic brain injury (TBI), trigeminal neuralgia, postherpetic neuralgia, causalgia, peripheral neuropathy, diabetic neuropathy, central pain, stroke, peripheral neuritis, polyneuritis, complex regional pain syndrome I and II (CRPS I/II) and radiculopathy.

General Synthetic Methods

Representative compounds of the present invention can be synthesized in accordance with the general synthetic methods described below and illustrated in the schemes and examples that follow. Since the schemes are an illustration, the invention should not be construed as being limited by the chemical reactions and conditions described in the schemes. The various starting materials used in the schemes and examples are commercially available or may be prepared by methods well within the skill of persons versed in the art. The variables are as defined herein.

Abbreviations used in the instant specification, particularly the schemes and examples, are as follows:

-   -   DCE 1,2-dichloroethane     -   DCM dichloromethane     -   DIAD diisopropylazodicarboxylate     -   DIEA or DIPEA diisopropyl-ethyl amine     -   DME dimethoxy ethane     -   DMF N,N-dimethylformamide     -   DMSO dimethylsulfoxide     -   DPPA diphenylphosphoryl azide     -   ESI electron-spray ionization     -   Et₂O diethyl ether     -   EtOAc ethyl acetate     -   EtOH ethanol     -   HEK human embryonic kidney     -   HPLC high performance liquid chromatography     -   MeCN acetonitrile     -   MeOH methanol     -   MHz megahertz     -   min minutes     -   MS mass spectroscopy     -   NMR nuclear magnetic resonance     -   RP reverse-phase     -   R_(t) retention time     -   rt room temperature     -   t-BuOH tert-butanol     -   TEA/Et₃N triethylamine     -   TFA trifluoroacetic acid     -   THF tetrahydrofuran

Scheme A illustrates a route for the synthesis of certain intermediates of the present invention, wherein Y is C₁₋₆alkyl and R² is as previously defined.

The compounds A1 and A2 are either commercially available or may be prepared by known methods described in the scientific literature. The compounds A1 and A2 may be reacted in the presence of dimethoxyethane to give a compound of formula A3, which, upon heating in methanol, cyclizes to form an intermediate of formula A4.

Scheme B illustrates a route for the synthesis of certain compounds of the present invention, wherein Y is C₁₋₆alkyl, R¹ is an optionally substituted phenylmethyl, R² is as defined herein, and R³ is optionally substituted phenyl.

The compound of formula A4 may be treated with hydrazine in an alcoholic solvent at elevated temperatures to afford a compound of formula B1. The compound of formula B1 may be treated with sodium nitrite in the presence of a mineral acid such as hydrochloric acid, or in the presence of an organic acid, such as trifluoroacetic acid, to afford the corresponding acyl azide of formula B2. Upon the addition of t-butanol with heating at elevated temperatures, the Boc-protected amine of formula B3 may be prepared. The compound of formula B3 may be treated with a sulfonyl chloride of formula B4 in the presence of a base such as sodium hydride to afford a compound of formula B5. The compound of formula B5 may be deprotected in the presence of a mineral acid such as hydrochloric acid, or in the presence of an organic acid, such as trifluoroacetic acid, to afford a compound of formula B6 which may be alkylated with a compound of formula B7 to afford a compound of Formula (I)-B. The R^(A1) group of a compound of formula B7 is an optional substituent on the phenylmethyl group of R¹ as defined in the present invention, and LG is an appropriate leaving group such as, but not limited to, bromide, iodide, mesylate, triflate, and the like.

Scheme C illustrates a route for the synthesis of certain compounds of the present invention, wherein Y is as defined herein, R¹ is an optionally substituted phenylmethyl, R² is as defined herein, and R³ is optionally substituted phenyl.

The compound of formula C1 is either commercially available or may be prepared by known methods described in the scientific literature. A compound of formula C1 may be saponified in the presence of an alkali metal hydroxide in refluxing methanol solvent to afford the corresponding carboxylic acid of formula C2. Treatment of the carboxylic acid of formula C2 with t-butanol in the presence of DPPA and an organic base such as DIPEA affords a compound of formula C3. The compound of formula C3 may be converted to a compound of Formula (I)-C using the synthetic steps described in Scheme B for the conversion of a compound of formula B3 to a compound of Formula (I)-B.

Scheme D illustrates a route for the synthesis of certain intermediates, wherein Y is C₃₋₆cycloalkyl, of the present invention.

A compound of formula D1 is either commercially available or may be prepared by known methods described in the scientific literature. A compound of formula D1 may be coupled with a C₃₋₆cycloalkylboronic acid of formula D2, in the presence of a palladium catalyst, appropriate ligands, and an inorganic base such as potassium phosphate and the like, to afford a compound of formula D3. The compound of formula D3 may be converted to a compound of Formula (I) using the synthetic steps described in Scheme B for the conversion of a compound of formula B3 to a compound of Formula (I)-B.

Scheme E illustrates a route for the synthesis of certain compounds of the present invention, wherein R¹ is C₁₋₆alkyl substituted with one substituent that is C₃₋₆cycloalkyl or trifluoromethyl (substituent R^(1E)).

An alternate method for the introduction of certain R¹-substituents is an alkylation reaction, wherein a compound of formula E1 is treated with an appropriately substituted alcohol of formula E2, in an aprotic solvent such as THF, in the presence of a carbodiimide such as DIAD and the like, and appropriate activating reagents such as triphenylphosphine, to afford a compound of Formula (I)-E.

Scheme F illustrates an alternate route for the synthesis of certain compounds of the present invention, wherein Y is C₁₋₆alkyl, R¹ is an optionally substituted phenylmethyl, R² is as defined herein, and R³ is optionally substituted phenyl.

The compound of formula B3 may be deprotected by conventional methods, such as by treatment with hydrochloric acid, to afford the corresponding HCl salt, a compound of formula F1. The compound of formula F1 may be directly sulfonylated using a compound of formula B4 to afford a compound of formula B6. The compound of formula B6 may be converted to a compound of Formula (I)-B using the methods described in Scheme B.

SPECIFIC EXAMPLES Example 1

a) CH₂Cl₂, Br₂, 5° C.; b) 1. DME, 2-aminopyridine; 2. MeOH, reflux; c) MeOH, 3N NaOH, reflux; d) DCE, DPPA, DIPEA, t-BuOH; e) DMF, 60% NaH, 4-CO₂Me-Ph-SO₂Cl; f) 4N HCl/dioxane; g) DMF, K₂CO₃, 4-OCF₃-PhCH₂Br; h) MeOH, 3N NaOH.

Step A: Ethyl 3-bromo-2-oxobutanoate (1-B)

To a solution of compound 1-A (4.8 g, 36.9 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (20 mL), cooled to 5° C., was added bromine (1.89 mL, 36.9 mmol), drop-wise. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stir for 18 h. The reaction mixture was purged with nitrogen, diluted with EtOAc, and the organic phase washed with 10% NaHCO₃ (2×), H₂O, brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure to afford compound 1-B as a yellow oil (7.50 g, 97%). ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): δ 5.15-5.20 (q, 1H), 4.32-4.45 (m, 2H), 1.82-1.85 (d, 3H), 1.38-1.41 (t, 3H).

Step B: Ethyl 3-methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-2-carboxylate (1-C)

To a solution of compound 1-B (1.25 g, 5.98 mmol) in DME (5 mL) was added 2-aminopyridine (0.563 g, 5.98 mmol) and the reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stir for 18 h. The precipitate was filtered, washed with DME and dried in vacuo to afford 1.41 g of a white solid. The solid was dissolved in MeOH (20 mL) and refluxed for 18 h. The reaction mixture was cooled and the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude residue was partitioned between EtOAc and 10% NaHCO₃, the layers separated and the organic phase washed with 10% NaHCO₃, H₂O, brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure to afford 0.902 g of a white solid. The crude solid was purified by flash column chromatography (SiO2) eluting with a heptanes-EtOAc gradient to afford compound 1-C as a white solid (0.842 g, 69%). ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): δ 7.90-7.92 (d, 1H), 7.65-7.68 (d, 1H), 7.21-7.25 (q, 1H), 6.88-6.92 (t, 1H), 4.44-4.50 (q, 2H), 2.80 (s, 3H), 1.44-1.48 (t, 3H); MS: m/z 205.2 (MH⁺).

Step C: 3-Methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-2-carboxylic acid (1-D)

To a solution of compound 1-C (0.842 g, 4.12 mmol) in MeOH (10 mL) was added 3N NaOH (2.75 mL, 8.25 mmol) and the reaction mixture was refluxed for 18 h. The reaction mixture was cooled and the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude residue was dissolved in H₂O and neutralized with 1N HCl to pH ˜7. The aqueous phase was evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure, and the resultant white solid was suspended in EtOH (20 mL) and stirred for 1 h. The solid was filtered and washed with EtOH. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure to afford compound 1-D as a white solid (0.793 g, 90%). ¹H-NMR (CD₃OD): δ 8.77-8.79 (t, 1H), 8.08-8.12 (m, 1H), 7.91-7.94 (m, 1H), 7.59-7.62 (m, 1H), 2.94 (s, 3H); MS: m/z 177.1 (MH⁺).

Step D: tert-Butyl (3-methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)carbamate (1-E)

To a solution of compound 1-D (0.499 g, 2.35 mmol) in DCE (12 mL) was added DIPEA (0.89 mL, 5.17 mmol) followed by DPPA (0.608 mL, 2.82 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 18 h. tert-Butanol (2.21 mL, 23.5 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture was heated at 82° C. for 4-5 h. The reaction mixture was cooled and the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude residue was partitioned in H₂O and EtOAc, the layers separated, and the organic phase washed with H₂O (2×), brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure to afford 0.305 g of a beige solid. The crude material was purified by flash column chromatography (SiO₂) eluting with 100% CH₂Cl₂ to 10% MeOH—CH₂Cl₂ gradient to afford compound 1-E as a yellow solid (0.231 g, 40%). ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): δ 9.8-9.9 (s, 1H), 8.11-8.18 (m, 1H), 7.81-7.92 (m, 1H), 7.66-7.71 (m, 1H), 7.27-7.31 (m, 1H), 2.55 (s, 3H), 1.51 (s, 9H); MS: m/z 248.3 (MH⁺).

Step E: Methyl 4-(N-(tert-butyoxycarbonyl)-N-(3-methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)sulfamoyl)benzoate (1-F)

To a solution of compound 1-E (0.174 g, 0.703 mmol) in DMF (5 mL), cooled to 0° C., was added 60% NaH (0.028 g, 0.703 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 20 min. Methyl 4-(chlorosulfonyl)benzoate (0.247 g, 1.06 mmol) was added in one-portion and the reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 2 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with EtOAc, washed with H₂O (2×), brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure to afford a crude solid. The crude material was purified by flash column chromatography (SiO₂) eluting with a heptanes-EtOAc gradient to afford compound 1-F as a white solid (0.188 g, 60%). ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): δ 8.22-8.35 (dd, 2H), 7.90-7.92 (d, 1H), 7.61-7.64 (d, 1H), 7.22-7.24 (m, 1H), 6.90-6.93 (m, 1H), 3.98 (s, 3H), 2.55 (s, 3H), 1.32 (s, 9H); MS: m/z 446.1 (MH⁺).

Step F: Methyl 4-(N-(3-methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)sulfamoyl)benzoate (1-G)

To compound 1-F (0.188 g, 0.422 mmol) was added 4N HCl in dioxane (6 mL) and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 18 h. The reaction was diluted with ether, filtered, and the solid washed with ether and dried in vacuo to afford compound 1-G as a white solid (0.104 g, 65%). ¹H-NMR (CD₃OD): δ 8.53-8.55 (d, 1H), 8.21-8.23 (d, 2H), 7.99-8.03 (m, 1H), 7.84-7.86 (d, 2H), 7.51-7.55 (m, 1H), 3.97 (s, 3H), 2.07 (s, 9H); MS: m/z 346.0 (MH⁺).

Step G: Methyl 4-(N-(3-methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)-N-(4-trifluoromethoxy)benzyl)sulfamoyl)benzoate (1-H)

To a solution of compound 1-G (0.098 g, 0.284 mmol) in DMF (2.0 mL) was added K₂CO₃ (0.118 g, 0.851 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 min. 4-Trifluoromethoxybenzyl bromide (0.80 g, 0.312 mmol) was added in one-portion and the reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 18 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with EtOAc, washed with H₂O (2×), brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude residue was purified by flash column chromatography (SiO₂) eluting with a heptanes-EtOAc gradient to afford compound 1-H as a white solid (0.090 g, 61%). ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): δ 8.15-8.18 (d, 2H), 7.86-7.88 (d, 2H), 7.78-7.80 (d, 1H), 7.42-7.44 (d, 1H), 7.29-7.31 (d, 2H), 7.16-7.20 (m, 1H), 7.04-7.06 (d, 1H), 6.84-6.87 (m, 1H), 4.75 (s, 2H), 3.96 (s, 3H), 2.28 (s, 3H); MS: m/z 520.0 (MH⁺).

Step H: Sodium 4-(N-(3-methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)-N-(4-trifluoromethoxy)benzyl)sulfamoyl)benzoate (Compound 107)

To a solution of compound 1-H (0.101 g, 0.195 mmol) in MeOH (2 mL) was added 3N NaOH (0.068 μL, 0.204 mmol) and the reaction mixture was heated at 60° C. for 18 h. The reaction mixture was cooled and the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure and dried in vacuo to afford Compound 107 as a white solid (0.099 g, 96%). ¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 8.19-8.21 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H), 7.95-7.97 (d, J=8 Hz, 2H), 7.62-7.64 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H), 7.46-7.48 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H), 7.36-7.38 (d, J=8 Hz, 2H), 7.23-7.25 (m, 3H), 6.92-6.96 (t, 1H), 4.75 (s, 2H), 2.25 (s, 3H); MS: m/z 506.1 (MH⁺).

Example 2

-   a) DPPA, DIPEA, t-BuOH; b) DMF, 60% NaH, 4-CO₂Me-Ph-SO₂Cl; c) 4N     HCl/dioxane; d) DMF, K₂CO₃, 4-OCF₃-PhCH₂Br; e) MeOH, 1N NaOH.

Step A: tert-Butyl (3,8-dimethylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)carbamate (2-B)

To a solution of compound 2-A (2.06 g, 10.8 mmol) in tert-butanol (50 mL) was added DIPEA (2.05 mL, 11.9 mmol) followed by DPPA (2.80 mL, 12.9 mmol), and the reaction mixture was refluxed for 18 h. The reaction mixture was cooled and the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude residue was partitioned in H₂O and EtOAc, the layers separated, and the organic phase washed with H₂O (4×), brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude material was purified by flash column chromatography (SiO₂) eluting with a 0% EtOAc-heptane to 15% EtOAc-heptane to 30% EtOAc-heptane gradient to afford compound 2-B as a white solid (0.799 g, 28%). ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): δ 7.70-7.72 (d, 1H), 6.94-6.95 (m, 1H), 6.73-6.76 (m, 2H), 2.55 (s, 3H), 2.43 (s, 3H), 1.50 (s, 9H); MS: m/z 262.2 (MH⁺).

Step B: Methyl 4-(N-(tert-butyoxycarbonyl)-N-(3,8-dimethylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)sulfamoyl)benzoate (2-C)

To a solution of compound 2-B (0.799 g, 3.06 mmol) in DMF (22 mL), cooled to 0° C., was added 60% NaH (0.147 g, 3.67 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 20 min. Methyl 4-(chlorosulfonyl)benzoate (2.15 g, 9.17 mmol) was added in small portions and the reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 18 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with EtOAc, washed with H₂O (2×), brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure to afford a crude solid. The crude material was purified by flash column chromatography (SiO₂) eluting with a heptanes-EtOAc gradient to afford compound 2-C as a white solid (0.693 g, 49%). ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): δ 8.38-8.40 (dd, 2H), 8.23-8.25 (dd, 2H), 7.75-7.77 (d, 1H), 7.00-7.02 (d, 1H), 6.79-6.83 (m, 1H), 3.98 (s, 3H), 2.51 (s, 3H), 1.59 (s, 3H), 1.34 (s, 9H); MS: m/z 460.2 (MH⁺).

Step C: Methyl 4-(N-(3,8-dimethylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)sulfamoyl)benzoate (2-D)

To compound 2-C (0.693 g, 1.51 mmol) was added 4N HCl in dioxane (30 mL) and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 18 h. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure, the solid triturated with ether, filtered, and the solid washed with ether and dried in vacuo to afford compound 2-D as a white solid (0.601 g, 100%). MS: m/z 360.1 (MH⁺).

Step D: Methyl 4-(N-(3-methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)-N-(4-trifluoromethoxy)benzyl)sulfamoyl)benzoate (2-E)

To a solution of compound 2-D (0.126 g, 0.319 mmol) in DMF (3.0 mL) was added K₂CO₃ (0.088 g, 0.638 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 min. 4-Trifluoromethoxybenzyl bromide (0.098 g, 0.383 mmol) was added, drop-wise at 0° C. and the reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 2 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with EtOAc, washed with H₂O (2×), brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude residue was purified by reverse-phase semi-prep HPLC, eluting with a 55% MeCN—H₂O (0.1% TFA) to 75% MeCN—H₂O (0.1% TFA) gradient. The pure fractions were combined and the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure. The solid was dissolved in EtOAc, the organic phase washed with 10% NaHCO₃, H₂O, brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure to afford compound 2-E as a white solid (0.107 g, 63%). ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): δ 8.14-8.17 (d, 2H), 7.94-7.96 (d, 2H), 7.62-7.64 (d, 1H), 7.30-7.32 (d, 2H), 7.05-7.07 (d, 2H), 6.94-6.96 (d, 1H), 6.73-6.76 (d, 1H), 6.65 (s, 1H), 4.74 (s, 2H), 3.97 (s, 3H), 2.45 (s, 3H), 2.20 (s, 3H); MS: m/z 534.2 (MH⁺).

Step E: Sodium 4-(N-(3,8-dimethylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)-N-(4-trifluoromethoxy)benzyl) sulfamoyl)benzoate (Compound 117)

To a solution of compound 2-E (0.107 g, 0.201 mmol) in MeOH (2 mL) was added 1N NaOH (0.211 μL, 0.211 mmol) and the reaction mixture was heated at 60° C. for 18 h. The reaction mixture was cooled and the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure and dried in vacuo to afford Compound 117 as a white solid (0.088 g, 81%). ¹H-NMR (CD₃OD): δ 7.97-8.03 (m, 2H), 6.78-6.79 (d, J=9 Hz, 1H), 7.67-7.69 (d, J=9 Hz, 2H), 7.23-7.26 (d, J=8 Hz, 2H), 6.92-7.03 (m, 3H), 6.72-6.75 (t, 1H), 4.74 (s, 2H), 2.32 (s, 3H), 2.02 (s, 3H); MS: m/z 520.1 (MH⁺).

Example 3 Compound 122

The title compound was prepared according to Example 2, substituting compound 2-A with 7-fluoro-3-methyl-imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-2-carboxylic acid in Step a of Example 2 and following Steps B-E in Example 2 to afford Compound 122 as an off-white solid (0.057 g). ¹H-NMR (CD₃OD): δ 8.41-8.61 (m, 1H), 8.16-8.32 (m, 2H), 7.87-8.04 (m, 2H), 7.27-7.53 (d, 4H), 7.10-7.26 (m, 2H), 2.20 (s, 3H); MS: m/z 524.0 (MH⁺).

Example 4

a) CH₂Cl₂, Br₂, 5° C.; b) 1. DME, 2-aminopyridine; 2. MeOH, reflux; 3. LiOH, H₂O, THF; c) 1. HCl; d) DCE, DPPA, DIPEA, t-BuOH; e) DMF, 60% NaH, 4-CO₂Me-Ph-SO₂Cl; f) 4N HCl/dioxane; g) DMF, K₂CO₃, 4-OCF₃-PhCH₂Br; h) MeOH, 3N NaOH.

Step A: Methyl 2-bromo-3-methylbutanoate (4-B)

To a solution of methyl 2-oxobutanoate 4-A (4.95 g, 34.3 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (20 mL), cooled to 5° C., was added bromine (1.76 mL, 34.3 mmol), drop-wise. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stir for 18 h. The reaction mixture was purged with nitrogen, diluted with EtOAc, and the organic phase washed with 10% NaHCO₃ (2×), H₂O, brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure to afford compound 4-B as a yellow oil (6.9 g, 90%). ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): δ 4.86 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 3.93 (s, 3H), 2.32-2.42 (m, 1H), 1.15 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 3H), 1.06 (d, 3H).

Step B: Lithium 3-isopropylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-2-carboxylate (4-C)

To a solution of compound 4-B (3.55 g, 15.4 mmol) in DME (15 mL) was added 2-aminopyridine (1.5 g, 15.4 mmol) and the reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stir for 3 days. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo, and the residue dissolved in methanol and heated at reflux for 6 hours. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo to give the crude product, methyl 3-isopropylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-2-carboxylate (85% by HPLC, 1.74 g). ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): δ 8.18 (d, J=7.1 Hz, 1H), 7.65 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 1H), 7.18-723 (m, 1H), 6.81-686 (m, 1H), 4.29-4.41 (m, 1H), 3.98 (s, 3H), 1.49 (d, J=7.3 Hz, 6H) contains 30% impurity; MS: m/z 219.1 (MH⁺). The crude product and lithium hydroxide monohydrate (0.294 g, 7.01 mmol) in THF (25 mL) and water (1.4 mL) was heated at reflux for 4 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled to rt and the crystalline precipitate was collected by filtration, washed with THF then Et₂O, and dried in vacuo to give the product, compound 4-C, as a colorless solid (0.854 g, 26%). ¹H-NMR (CD₃OD): δ 8.39 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 1H), 7.49 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 1H), 7.17-7.30 (m, 1H), 6.89 (t, J=6.8 Hz, 1H), 4.31 (spt, J=7.3 Hz, 1H), 1.48 (d, J=7.3 HZ, 6H).

Step C: 3-isopropylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-2-carboxylic acid hydrochloride (4-D)

A solution of compound 4-C (0.764 g, 3.64 mmol) in water (7 mL) was treated with 1N HCl (7.45 mL, 7.45 mmol), and the resultant solution was filtered then frozen on a dry ice/acetone bath. The water was lyophilized away to leave a mixture of compound 4-D with lithium chloride (1.01 g, 98%) as a colorless solid, used as is in the subsequent reaction. ¹H-NMR (CD₃OD): δ 8.84 (d, J=7.1 Hz, 1H), 7.74-7.89 (m, 2H), 7.35-7.40 (m, 1H), 4.32-4.43 (m, 1H), 1.55 (d, J=7.3 Hz, 6H); MS: m/z 205.2 (MH⁺).

Step D: tert-Butyl (3-isopropylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)carbamate (4-E)

To a solution of compound 4-D (1.01 g, 3.57 mmol) in DCE (20 mL) was added DIPEA (1.29 mL, 7.492 mmol) followed by DPPA (0.846 mL, 3.93 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 18 hours. tert-Butanol (1.68 mL, 17.8 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture was heated at 82° C. for 10 h. The reaction mixture was cooled and the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude residue was partitioned in H₂O and EtOAc, the layers separated, and the organic phase washed with H₂O (2×), brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude residue was purified by flash column chromatography (SiO₂) eluting with a gradient of 0-10% MeOH in CH₂Cl₂ to afford compound 4-E as a yellow solid (0.267 g, 27%). ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): δ 7.99 (d, J=7.1 Hz, 1H), 7.51 (d, J=9.1 Hz, 1H), 7.11-716 (m, 1H), 6.75-6.83 (m, 1H), 6.31 (br. s., 1H), 3.35 (spt, J=7.2 Hz, 1H), 1.50 (s, 9H), 1.45 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 6H); MS: m/z 276.1 (MH⁺).

Step E: Methyl 4-(N-(tert-butyoxycarbonyl)-N-(3-isopropylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)sulfamoyl)benzoate (4-F)

To a suspension of compound 4-E (0.267 g, 0.97 mmol) in DMF (10 mL), cooled to 0° C., was added 60% NaH (0.043 g, 1.08 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 40 min. Methyl 4-(chlorosulfonyl)benzoate (0.341 g, 1.46 mmol) was added in one-portion and the reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 2 h. Ice water was added to the reaction solution and the product was extracted into EtOAc, washed with H₂O (2×), then brine, and dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure to afford a crude product. The crude material was purified by flash column chromatography (SiO₂) eluting with a gradient of EtOAc (20-60%) in heptanes to afford compound 4-F as a colorless glass (0.235 g, 51%). ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): δ 8.4 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 8.24 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 8.05 (d, J=7.1 Hz, 1H), 7.62 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 1H), 7.19-7.24 (m, 1H), 6.86-6.90 (m, 1H), 3.98 (s, 3H), 3.37-3.50 (m, 2H), 1.50-1.59 (m, 6H under H₂O peak), 1.32 (s, 9H); MS: m/z 474.1 (MH⁺).

Step F: Methyl 4-(N-(3-isopropylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)sulfamoyl)benzoate hydrochloride (4-G)

To a solution of compound 4-F (0.230 g, 0.486 mmol) in dioxane (3 mL) was added 4N HCl in dioxane (10 mL) and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 day. An additional portion of 4N HCl in dioxane (5 mL) was added and the mixture stirred an additional two days at room temperature. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo, and the solid triturated in Et₂O, collected by filtration, washed with Et₂O and dried to afford compound 4-G as a yellow solid (0.196 g, 98%). ¹H-NMR (CD₃OD): δ 8.72 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 1H), 8.21 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.90-7.99 (m, 3H), 7.82 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 1H), 7.45-7.50 (m, 1H), 3.94 (s, 3H), 3.12-3.23 (m, 1H), 1.14 (d, J=7.1 Hz, 6H); MS: m/z 374.1 (MH⁺).

Step G: Methyl 4-(N-(3-isopropylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)-N-(4-trifluoromethoxy)benzyl)sulfamoyl)benzoate (Compound 108)

To a solution of compound 4-G (0.193 g, 0.517 mmol) in DMF (3.0 mL), cooled in an ice bath, was added K₂CO₃ (0.215 g, 1.56 mmol) and 4-trifluoromethoxybenzyl bromide (0.091 mL g, 0.569 mmol). The resultant mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 18 hours. The reaction mixture was partitioned between EtOAc and water. The organic layer was washed with water (2×), brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude residue was purified by flash column chromatography (SiO₂) eluting with a gradient of EtOAc in heptanes to afford Compound 108 as a colorless solid (0.186 g, 66%). ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): δ 8.13-8.25 (m, 2H), 8.01 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 1H), 7.89-7.97 (m, 2H), 7.45 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 1H), 7.14-7.18 (m, 1H), 7.05 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 2H), 6.76-6.82 (m, 1H), 4.70 (br. s., 2H), 3.8 (s, 3H), 3.58 (br s, 1H), 3.27-3.44 (m, 1H), 1.11 (br. s., 6H); MS: m/z 548.1 (MH⁺).

Step H: Sodium 4-(N-(3-isopropylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)-N-(4-trifluoromethoxy)benzyl)sulfamoyl)benzoate (Compound 109)

To a solution of Compound 108 (0.180 g, 0.329 mmol) in MeOH (6 mL) was added 1N NaOH (0.329 mL, 0.329 mmol) and the reaction mixture was heated at reflux for 18 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled and the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure and dried in vacuo to afford Compound 109 as a colorless solid (0.165 g, 90%). ¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 8.36 (d, J=7.1 Hz, 1H), 7.99 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.71 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.51 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 1H), 7.15-7.33 (m, 5H), 6.88 (t, J=6.8 Hz, 1H), 4.67 (br. s., 2H), 3.24-3.38 (m, 1H under H₂O peak), 1.06 (d, J=5.1 Hz, 6H); MS: m/z 556.2 (MH⁺).

Example 5 General Synthesis of Ethyl methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-2-carboxylates

a) DME; b) MeOH.

Step A: 2-Amino-1-(4-ethoxy-3,4-dioxobutan-2-yl)-5-fluoropyridin-1-ium bromide (5-C)

A solution 2-amino-5-fluoropyridine (5-A, 3.04 g, 27.1 mmol) and ethyl 3-bromo-2-oxobutanoate (5-B, 5.67 g, 27.1 mmol) in DME (15 mL) was stirred at rt for 1 day. The resultant solid precipitate was collected by filtration, and washed with Et₂O, to afford compound 5-C as an off-white solid (5.35 g, 82%), which was used without purification in the subsequent step.

Step B: Ethyl 6-fluoro-3-methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-2-carboxylate (5-D)

A solution of compound 5-C (5.35 g, 16.7 mmol) in MeOH (75 mL), was heated at reflux for 6 hours. The solution was cooled to rt, and the solvent was evaporated in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in water and made basic with aqueous NaHCO₃, to give a solid precipitate. The solid was collected by filtration, dissolved into EtOAc, and dried over sodium sulfate. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo to give compound 5-D as a pale pink solid (3.4 g, 92%). ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): δ 7.82-7.86 (m, 1H), 7.64-7-68 (m, 1H), 7.15-719 (m, 1H), 4.47 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 2.78 (s, 3H), 1.46 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H); MS: m/z 223.0 (MH⁺).

Example 6

a) N₂H₄, EtOH; b) NaNO₂, 2N HCl; c) t-BuOH, heat; d) DMF, 60% NaH, 4-CO₂Me-Ph-SO₂Cl; e) 4N HCl/dioxane; f) DMF, K₂CO₃, 4-OCF₃-PhCH₂Br; g) MeOH, 3N NaOH.

Step A: 6-Fluoro-3-methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-2-carbohydrazide (6-A)

Hydrazine (4.53 mL, 144 mmol) was added to a solution of compound 5-D (2.14 g, 9.63 mmol) in EtOH (40 mL) and the resultant solution was heated at reflux for 72 h. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo, and the residue was crystallized from iPA to afford compound 6-A as a pale pink solid (1.83 g, 65%). ¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 9.41 (br. s., 1H), 8.60 (dd, J=4.4, 2.1 Hz, 1H), 7.59-7.67 (m, 1H), 7.35-7.46 (m, 1H), 4.44 (br. s., 2H), 2.73 (s, 3H); MS: m/z 209.0 (MH⁺).

Step B: 6-Fluoro-3-methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-2-carbonyl azide (6-B)

Compound 6-A (1.8 g, 8.65 mmol) was dissolved in 2N HCl (21.6 mL, 43.2 mmol) and cooled in an ice bath. A solution of NaNO₂ (0.716 g, 10.4 mmol) in water (3 mL) was added dropwise over 5 minutes and the resultant solution was stirred on the ice bath for 25 minutes, then made basic with careful addition of a saturated aqueous solution of NaHCO₃. A solid precipitate was collected by filtration, then dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ and dried over Na₂SO₄. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo to afford compound 6-B as a cream colored solid (1.86 g, 98%). ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): δ 7.81-7.87 (m, 1H), 7.64 (dd, J=10.0, 5.2 Hz, 1H), 7.16-7.25 (m, 1H), 2.80 (s, 3H); MS: m/z 220.1 (MH⁺).

Step C: tert-Butyl (6-fluoro-3-methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)carbamate (6-C)

A mixture of compound 6-B (1.8 g, 8.21 mmol) in t-BuOH (25 mL) was heated at reflux for 18 hours. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo. The residue was pre-absorbed on silica gel, and the purified by flash chromatography using a gradient of 1M NH₃ in MeOH (2-3%) in CH₂Cl₂ to afford compound 6-C as a colorless solid (1.40 g, 64%). ¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 9.06 (br. s., 1H), 8.43-8.50 (m, 1H), 7.46-7.54 (m, 1H), 7.20-7.30 (m, 1H), 2.30 (s, 3H), 1.38-1.49 (m, 9H); MS: m/z 266.2 (MH⁺).

Step D: Methyl 4-(N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-N-(6-fluoro-3-methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)sulfamoyl)benzoate (6-D)

A solution of compound 6-C (0.70 g, 2.64 mmol) in DMF (20 mL) was cooled in an ice bath and treated with a 60% dispersion of NaH in mineral oil (0.126 g, 3.17 mmol) and stirred at ambient temp for 30 min. The solution was cooled on an ice bath and treated with methyl 4-(chlorosulfonyl)benzoate (1.24 g, added in portions). The resultant solution was stirred at ambient temperature for 18 hours. The solution was poured into ice water, and the resultant suspension was made basic with careful addition of a saturated aqueous solution of NaHCO₃. The solid was collected by filtration, washed with water and air dried. The solid was pre-absorbed onto silica gel and purified by flash chromatography, using a gradient of EtOAc (10-60%) in heptanes as the eluant to afford compound 6-D as a colorless solid (1.1 g, 90%). MS: m/z 464.1 (MH⁺).

Step E: Methyl 4-(N-(6-fluoro-3-methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)sulfamoyl)benzoate (6-E)

A solution of compound 6-D (1.1 g, 2.38 mmol) in 4N HCl in dioxane (15 mL, 60 mmol) was stirred at rt for 18 hours. The resulting precipitate was collected by filtration, washed with Et₂O and air dried to give the compound 6-E, as a colorless solid (0.915 g, 96%). ¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 8.72-8.82 (m, 1H), 8.12 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.91 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.66-7.76 (m, 2H), 5.77 (br. s., 2H), 3.90 (s, 3H), 2.11 (s, 3H); MS: m/z 364.0 (MH⁺).

Step F: Methyl 4-(N-(6-fluoro-3-methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)-N-(4-(trifluoromethoxy)benzyl)sulfamoyl)benzoate (Compound 118)

A mixture of compound 6-E (0.300 g, 0.75 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (0.218 g, 1.58 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) was cooled in an ice bath and treated with a solution of 4-trifluoromethoxybenzyl bromide (0.132 mL, 0.83 mmol) in DMF (1 mL) and stirred at ambient temperature for 18 hours. The solution was partitioned between EtOAc and water, and the organic phase was separated, washed with water (3×) then brine and dried over sodium sulfate. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo, and the residue was pre-absorbed on silica gel and purified by flash chromatography, using a gradient of EtOAc (10-50%) in heptanes as the eluant, to give the Compound 118, as a colorless solid (0.330 g, 82%). ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): δ 8.17 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.85 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 8H), 7.69-7.74 (m, 1H), 7.41 (dd, J=9.9, 5.0 Hz, 1H), 7.29 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.03-7.14 (m, 3H), 4.74 (s, 2H), 3.97 (s, 3H), 2.26 (s, 3H); MS: m/z 538.0 (MH⁺).

Step G: Sodium 4-(N-(6-fluoro-3-methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)-N-(4-(trifluoromethoxy)benzyl)sulfamoyl)benzoate (Compound 120)

A solution of Compound 118 (0.200 g, 0.372 mmol) in MeOH (10 mL) was treated with 1N NaOH (0.383 mL, 0.383 mmol) and heated at reflux for 1 day. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo to give the Compound 120, as a colorless solid (0.184 g, 91%). ¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 8.46-8.51 (m, 1H), 7.98 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.63 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.56 (dd, J=9.9, 5.3 Hz, 1H), 7.21-7.41 (m, 5H), 4.75 (s, 2H), 2.25 (s, 3H); MS: m/z 524 (MH⁺ of carboxylic acid).

Example 7 Methyl 4-(N-(6-fluoro-3-methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)-N-(4-fluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)benzyl)sulfamoyl)benzoate (Compound 119)

The following compound was prepared according to Example 6, substituting 4-trifluoromethoxybenzyl bromide with 4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylbenzyl bromide in Step F of Example 6 to afford Compound 119 as a colorless solid. ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): δ 8.17 (d, J=9 Hz, 2H), 7.82 (d, J=9 Hz, 2H), 7.71-7.75 (m, 1H), 7.51-7.56 (m, 1H), 7.43-7.49 (m, 1H), 7.36-7.42 (m, 1H), 7.01-7.15 (m, 2H), 4.76 (s, 2H), 3.97 (s, 3H), 2.30-2.36 (m, 3H); MS: m/z 540.2 (MH⁺).

Example 8 Sodium 4-(N-(6-fluoro-3-methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)-N-(4-fluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)benzyl)sulfamoyl)benzoate (Compound 121)

The following compound was prepared according to Example 6, substituting compound 119 for compound 118 in Step F of Example 6 to afford compound 121 as a colorless solid. ¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 8.47-8.54 (m, 1H), 7.99 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 2H), 7.59-7.68 (m, 4H), 7.52-7.59 (m, 1H), 7.40 (t, J=9.6 Hz, 1H), 7.32 (t, J=9.1 Hz, 1H), 4.81 (s, 2H), 2.28 (s, 3H); MS: m/z 526.2 (MH⁺ of carboxylic acid).

Example 9

-   -   a) MeOH, H₂O, NaOH; b) DPPA, TEA, t-BuOH; c) DMF, 60% NaH,         Ph-SO₂Cl; d) TFA; e) DMF, Na₂CO₃, 3-F, 4-CF₃-PhCH₂Br.

Step A: 3-Chloro-6-trifluoromethylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-2-carboxylic acid (9-B)

To a solution of compound 9-A (0.820 g, 2.8 mmol) in MeOH (6 mL) was added NaOH (0.112 g, 2.8 mmol) in water (3 mL) and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 5 h. The reaction mixture was acidified with 2N hydrochloric acid to pH2 and then concentrated in vacuo. Methylene chloride was added to the residue and the organic layer was separated. Removal of the solvent under reduced pressure gave compound 9-B (0.820 g, 87%); MS m/z (M+H⁺) 264.

Step B: tert-Butyl (3-chloro-6-trifluoromethylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)carbamate (9-C)

To a solution of compound 9-B (0.627 g, 2.37 mmol) in tert-butanol (15 mL) and triethylamine (0.720 g, 7.11 mmol) was added diphenylphosphoryl azide (1.30 g, 4.74 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 12 h and then heated to reflux temperature for 4 h. Additional diphenylphosphoryl azide was added (0.800 g, 2.91 mmol) and the reaction was heated to reflux temperature for 6 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo and methylene chloride (20 mL) was added. The organic layer was washed with 2M sodium carbonate solution (3×10 mL) and dried over sodium sulfate. The crude material obtained after evaporation of solvent was purified by flash column chromatography (SiO₂) eluting with a gradient of 20-100% ethyl acetate in hexane to afford compound 9-C (0.400 g, 50%); MS m/z (M+H⁺) 336.

Step C: N-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)-N-(3-chloro-6-trifluoromethylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide (9-D)

To a solution of compound 9-C (0.100 g, 0.300 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) at room temperature was added 60% NaH (0.012 g, 0.300 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred for 10 minutes. Benzenesulfonyl chloride (0.053 g, 0.300 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. DMF was removed in vacuo and water and methylene chloride were added. The organic layer was washed with H₂O (2×), brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure to afford the crude product. The crude material was purified by flash column chromatography (SiO₂) eluting with a gradient of 0-100% ethyl acetate in hexane to afford compound 9-D (0.040 g, 28%); MS m/z (M+H⁺) 476.

Step D: N-(3-chloro-6-trifluoromethylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide (9-E)

To compound 9-D (0.040 g, 0.084 mmol) was added trifluoroacetic acid (1 mL) and the resulting mixture was stirred for 1 h at room temperature. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo and the crude product (0.050 g, 99%) was used in the next step without further purification; MS m/z (M+H⁺) 376.

Step E: N-(3-Chloro-6-trifluoromethylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)-N-(3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethylbenzyl)benzenesulfonamide (Compound 60)

To a solution of compound 9-E (0.015 g, 0.025 mmol) in DMF (2.0 mL) was added Na₂CO₃ (0.011 g, 0.099 mmol) and 3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethylbenzyl bromide (0.006 g, 0.025 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo and the residue was purified by flash column chromatography (SiO₂) eluting with a gradient of 0-100% ethyl acetate in hexane to afford Compound 60 (0.008 g, 58%); MS m/z (M+H⁺) 552.

Following the procedures described above for Example 9 and substituting the appropriate reagents, starting materials and purification methods known to those skilled in the art, the following compounds of the present invention were prepared:

Compound Spectral Data

Compound 1 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 484

Compound 2 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 448

Compound 3 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 482

Compound 4 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 464

Compound 5 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 526

Compound 7 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 516

Compound 8 ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 8.05 (td, J = 0.51, 1.20 Hz, 1H), 7.79-7.86 (m, 2H), 7.63- 7.68 (m, 1H), 7.51-7.58 (m, 4H), 7.41 (dd, J = 0.82, 9.60 Hz, 1H), 7.22 (dd, J = 2.02, 9.60 Hz, 1H), 7.05 (t, J = 9.28 Hz, 1H), 4.74 (s, 2H); MS m/z (M + H⁺) 518.

Compound 9 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 500

Compound 10 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 502

Compound 11 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 462

Compound 12 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 448

Compound 13 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 450

Compound 14 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 496

Compound 15 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 498

Compound 16 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 450

Compound 17 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 432

Compound 18 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 468

Compound 19 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 480

Compound 20 ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 7.75-7.79 (m, 2H), 7.73 (ddd, J = 0.57, 2.43, 3.88 Hz, 1H), 7.60-7.66 (m, 1H), 7.44-7.57 (m, 4H), 7.40 (ddd, J = 0.73, 5.08, 9.85 Hz, 1H), 7.09 (ddd, J = 2.40, 7.88, 9.99 Hz, 1H), 6.99-7.06 (m, 1H), 4.76 (s, 2H), 2.34 (s, 3H); MS m/z (M + H⁺) 482.

Compound 21 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 482

Compound 22 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 418

Compound 23 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 420

Compound 24 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 450

Compound 25 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 528

Compound 26 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 476

Compound 27 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 478

Compound 28 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 478

Compound 29 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 518

Compound 30 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 476

Compound 31 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 478

Compound 32 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 478

Compound 33 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 460

Compound 34 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 460

Compound 35 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 416

Compound 36 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 496

Compound 37 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 498

Compound 38 ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 7.82-7.90 (m, 1H), 7.71-7.77 (m, 2H), 7.63 (tt, J = 1.14, 7.45 Hz, 1H), 7.48-7.54 (m, 2H), 7.46 (t, J = 7.45 Hz, 1H), 7.37 (dd, J = 0.57, 9.54 Hz, 1H), 7.18 (d, J = 9.47 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (dd, J = 1.99, 9.57 Hz, 1H), 4.79 (s, 2H), 2.41 (s, 3H); MS m/z (M + H⁺) 416.

Compound 39 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 476

Compound 40 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 478

Compound 41 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 478

Compound 42 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 556

Compound 43 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 480

Compound 44 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 480

Compound 45 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 496

Compound 46\ MS m/z (M + H⁺) 464

Compound 47 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 476

Compound 48 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 478

Compound 49 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 478

Compound 61 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 550

Compound 62 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 552

Compound 67 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 494

Compound 68 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 496

Compound 74 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 604

Compound 75 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 594

Compound 76 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 602

Compound 77 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 592

Compound 78 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 604

Compound 79 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 594

Compound 83 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 528

Compound 84 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 612

Compound 85 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 614

Compound 86 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 614

Example 10

-   -   a) DME rt, MeOH reflux; b) NaOH, MeOH, H₂O; c) DPPA, TEA,         t-BuOH; d) DMF, 95% NaH, Ph-SO₂Cl; e) TFA, CH₂Cl₂; f) DMF,         Na₂CO₃, 4-F, 3-CF₃-PhCH₂Br.

Step A: Methyl 3-methyl-6-trifluoromethylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-2-carboxylate (10-C)

To a solution of compound 10-A (1.8 g, 9.23 mmol) in DME (5 mL) was added compound 10-B (1.5 g, 9.23 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the resulting residue was dissolved in methanol (9 mL) and heated to reflux temperature overnight. The solvent was removed in vacuo, the solid obtained was basified with 1M Na₂CO₃ solution, and the aqueous mixture extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (3×). The combined organic layers were dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated in vacuo. The resulting residue was purified by flash column chromatography, eluting with a hexanes-EtOAc gradient to give compound 10-C as a light yellow solid (0.978 g, 41%); MS m/z (M+H⁺) 259.

Step B: 3-Methyl-6-trifluoromethylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-2-carboxylic acid (10-D)

To a solution of compound 10-C (0.978 g, 3.79 mmol) in MeOH (6 mL) and H₂O (3 mL) was added sodium hydroxide (0.227 g, 5.68 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The mixture was acidified with 2N HCl to pH 4-5 and concentrated in vacuo. The resulting residue was taken up in EtOAc, and the organic layer was washed with H₂O and then dried over Na₂SO₄. The mixture was filtered and the filtrate concentrated in vacuo to give compound 10-D as a light yellow solid (0.866 g, 94%), which was used in the next reaction; MS m/z (M+H⁺) 245.

Step C: tert-Butyl (3-methyl-6-trifluoromethylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)carbamate (10-E)

To a solution of compound 10-D (0.860 g, 3.52 mmol) in tert-butanol (20 mL) and triethylamine (1.07 g, 10.57 mmol) was added diphenylphosphoryl azide (0.969 g, 3.52 mmol) and the reaction mixture was heated at reflux temperature for 6 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo and ethyl acetate was added. The organic layer was washed with 1M sodium carbonate solution, dried over sodium sulfate, and the solvent removed in vacuo. The resulting residue was purified by flash column chromatography, eluting with a hexanes-EtOAc gradient to give compound 10-E as a light yellow solid (0.447 g, 40%); MS m/z (M+H⁺) 316.

Step D: N-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)-N-(3-methyl-6-trifluoromethylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide (10-F)

To a solution of compound 10-E (0.063 g, 0.2 mmol) in DMF (1 mL) at 0° C. was added 95% NaH (0.012 g, 0.5 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred for 10 minutes. Benzenesulfonyl chloride (0.053 g, 0.3 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction was quenched by the addition of H₂O and the solution was extracted with ethyl acetate. After separation of the organic and aqueous layers a sufficient amount of water was added to remove any dissolved DMF from the organic layer. The organic layer was dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure to afford the crude product. The crude material was purified by flash column chromatography, eluting with a hexanes-EtOAc gradient to give compound 10-F as a white solid (0.066 g, 72%); MS m/z (M+H⁺) 456.

Step E: N-(3-Methyl-6-trifluoromethylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide (10-G)

To a solution of compound 10-F (0.066 g, 0.084 mmol) in methylene chloride (2 mL) was added trifluoroacetic acid (1 mL) and the resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo and the crude product, isolated as a light yellow oil, was used in the next step without further purification; MS m/z (M+H⁺) 356.

Step F: N-(3-Fluoro-4-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-N-(3-methyl-6-trifluoromethylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide (Compound 100)

To a solution of compound 10-G (0.023 g, 0.048 mmol) in DMF (1 mL) was added Na₂CO₃ (0.015 g, 0.14 mmol) and 3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethylbenzyl bromide (0.014 g, 0.053 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate, washed with water, and dried over sodium sulfate. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo and the residue was purified by flash column chromatography, eluting with a hexanes-EtOAc gradient to give Compound 100 as a yellow solid (0.017 g, 66%); MS m/z (M+H⁺) 532.

Following the procedures described above for Example 10 and substituting the appropriate reagents, starting materials and purification methods known to those skilled in the art, the following compounds of the present invention were prepared:

Compound Spectral Data

Compound 50 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 492

Compound 51 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 492

Compound 52 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 490

Compound 53 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 474

Compound 54 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 474

Compound 82 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 512

Compound 87 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 598

Compound 88 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 578

Compound 89 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 576

Compound 101 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 532

Example 11

-   -   a) DPPA, TEA, t-BuOH; b) DMF, 95% NaH,

-   -    11-C; c) TFA, CH₂Cl₂; d) DMF, Na₂CO₃, 4-F, 3-CF₃-PhCH₂Br.

Step A: tert-Butyl (3-chloroimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)carbamate (11-B)

To a solution of compound 11-A (0.393 g, 2.0 mmol) in tert-butanol (8 mL) and triethylamine (0.61 g, 6.0 mmol) was added diphenylphosphoryl azide (0.550 g, 2.0 mmol) and the reaction mixture was heated at reflux temperature for 6 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo and ethyl acetate was added. The organic layer was washed with 1M sodium carbonate solution, dried over sodium sulfate, and the solvent removed in vacuo. The resulting residue was purified by flash column chromatography, eluting with a hexanes-EtOAc gradient to give compound 11-B as a light yellow solid (0.337 g, 63%); MS m/z (M+H⁺) 268.

Step B: N-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)-N-(3-chloroimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridine-3-sulfonamide (11-C)

To a solution of compound 11-B (0.080 g, 0.3 mmol) in DMF (2 mL) at 0° C. was added 95% NaH (0.019 g, 0.75 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred for 10 minutes. Compound 11-C (0.118 g, 0.45 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction was quenched by the addition of H₂O and the solution was extracted with ethyl acetate. After separation of the organic and aqueous layers a sufficient amount of water was added to remove any dissolved DMF from the organic layer. The organic layer was dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure to afford the crude product. The crude material was purified by flash column chromatography, eluting with a hexanes-EtOAc gradient to give compound 11-D as a white solid (0.130 g, 88%); MS m/z (M+H⁺) 494.

Step C: N-(3-Chloroimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridine-3-sulfonamide (11-E)

To a solution of compound 11-D (0.120 g, 0.24 mmol) in methylene chloride (4 mL) was added trifluoroacetic acid (2 mL) and the resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo and the crude product, isolated as a light yellow oil, was used in the next step without further purification; MS m/z (M+H⁺) 394.

Step D: N-(3-Chloroimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)-N-(4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-6-morpholin-4-yl-pyridine-3-sulfonamide (Compound 90)

To a solution of compound 11-E (0.030 g, 0.049 mmol) in DMF (1 mL) was added Na₂CO₃ (0.015 g, 0.15 mmol) and 4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylbenzyl bromide (0.014 g, 0.053 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate, washed with water, and dried over sodium sulfate. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo and the residue was purified by flash column chromatography, eluting with a hexanes-EtOAc gradient to give Compound 90 as a yellow solid (0.008 g, 29%); MS m/z (M+H⁺) 570.

Following the procedures described above for Example 11 and substituting the appropriate reagents, starting materials and purification methods known to those skilled in the art, the following compounds of the present invention were prepared:

Compound Spectral Data

Compound 80 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 492

Compound 91 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 570

Compound 92 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 568

Compound 93 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 552

Compound 94 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 552

Compound 95 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 550

Compound 96 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 550

Compound 97 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 548

Compound 98 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 532

Compound 99 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 532

Example 12

-   -   a) Cyclopropylboronic acid, Pd(OAc)₂, P(Cy)₃, K₃PO₄,         toluene/H₂O, 100° C.; b) NaOH, MeOH, H₂O; c) DPPA, TEA,         t-BuOH; d) DMF, 95% NaH, Ph-SO₂Cl; e) TFA, CH₂Cl₂; f) DMF,         Na₂CO₃, 4-F, 3-CF₃-PhCH₂Br.

Step A: Ethyl 3-cyclopropylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-2-carboxylate (12-B)

Cyclopropylboronic acid (711 mg, 8.3 mmol) was added to a toluene (27 mL)/water (1.4 mL) solution of Compound 12-A (1.60 g, 5.9 mmol), Pd(OAc)₂ (67 mg, 0.3 mmol), P(Cy)₃ (167 mg, 0.6 mmol), and K₃PO₄ (4.5 g, 20.8 mmol). The resulting mixture was heated to 100° C. After 5 h the mixture was cooled, filtered and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic extracts were washed with water and brine, dried (Na₂SO₄), concentrated and purified by flash column chromatography, eluting with a hexanes-EtOAc gradient to give Compound 12-B (1.04 g, 87%); MS m/z (M+H⁺) 231.

Step B: 3-Cyclopropylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-2-carboxylic acid (12-C)

To a solution of compound 12-B (1.04 g, 4.52 mmol) in MeOH (6 mL) and H₂O (3 mL) was added sodium hydroxide (0.241 g, 6.04 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The mixture was acidified with 2N HCl to pH 4-5 and concentrated in vacuo. The resulting residue was taken up in EtOAc, and the organic layer was washed with H₂O and then dried over Na₂SO₄. The mixture was filtered and the filtrate concentrated in vacuo to give Compound 12-C (0.841 g, 92%), which was used as such in the next reaction; MS m/z (M+H⁺) 203.

Step C: tert-Butyl (3-cyclopropylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)carbamate (12-D)

To a solution of compound 12-C (0.841 g, 4.16 mmol) in tert-butanol (17 mL) and triethylamine (1.27 g, 12.48 mmol) was added diphenylphosphoryl azide (1.14 g, 4.16 mmol) and the reaction mixture was heated at reflux temperature for 7 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo and ethyl acetate was added. The organic layer was washed with 1M sodium carbonate solution, dried over sodium sulfate, and the solvent removed in vacuo. The resulting residue was purified by flash column chromatography, eluting with a hexanes-EtOAc gradient to give compound 12-D (0.171 g, 15%); MS m/z (M+H⁺) 274.

Step D: N-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)-N-(3-cyclopropylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide (12-E)

To a solution of compound 12-D (0.171 g, 0.63 mmol) in DMF (3.5 mL) at room temperature was added 95% NaH (0.040 g, 1.56 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred for 10 minutes. Benzenesulfonyl chloride (0.166 g, 0.94 mmol) dissolved in DMF (1 mL) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction was quenched by the addition of H₂O and the solution was extracted with ethyl acetate. After separation of the organic and aqueous layers a sufficient amount of water was added to remove any dissolved DMF from the organic layer. The organic layer was dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure to afford the crude product. The crude material was purified by flash column chromatography, eluting with a hexanes-EtOAc gradient to give compound 12-E as a white solid (0.148 g, 57%); MS m/z (M+H⁺) 414.

Step E: N-(3-Cyclopropylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide (12-F)

To a solution of compound 12-E (0.083 g, 0.2 mmol) in methylene chloride (2 mL) was added trifluoroacetic acid (1 mL) and the resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 5 h. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo and the crude product, isolated as a light yellow oil, was used in the next step without further purification; MS m/z (M+H⁺) 314.

Step F: N-(3-Chloroimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)-N-(4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)benzenesulfonamide (Compound 69)

To a solution of compound 12-F (0.022 g, 0.04 mmol) in DMF (1 mL) was added Na₂CO₃ (0.013 g, 0.12 mmol) and 4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylbenzyl bromide (0.011 g, 0.04 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate, washed with water, and dried over sodium sulfate. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo and the residue was purified by flash column chromatography, eluting with a hexanes-EtOAc gradient to give Compound 69 as a white solid (0.007 g, 36%); MS m/z (M+H⁺) 490.

Following the procedures described above for Example 12 and substituting the appropriate reagents, starting materials and purification methods known to those skilled in the art, the following compounds of the present invention were prepared:

Compound Spectral Data

Compound 70 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 490

Compound 71 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 488

Compound 72 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 472

Compound 73 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 472

Example 13

-   -   a) NaOH, MeOH, H₂O; b) DPPA, TEA, t-BuOH; c) DMF, 95% NaH,         Ph-SO₂Cl; d) TFA, CH₂Cl₂; e) DMF, Na₂CO₃, 4-F, 3-CF₃-PhCH₂Br.

Step A: 3-Ethyl-8-trifluoromethylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-2-carboxylate (13-B)

To a solution of compound 13-A (0.696 g, 2.56 mmol) in MeOH (3.4 mL) and H₂O (1.7 mL) was added sodium hydroxide (0.136 g, 3.42 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The mixture was acidified with 2N HCl to pH 4-5 and concentrated in vacuo. The resulting residue was taken up in EtOAc, and the organic layer was washed with H₂O and then dried over Na₂SO₄. The mixture was filtered and the filtrate concentrated in vacuo to give compound 13-B (0.620 g, 94%), which was used as such in the next reaction; MS m/z (M+H⁺) 259.

Step B: tert-Butyl (3-ethyl-8-trifluoromethylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)carbamate (13-C)

To a solution of compound 13-B (0.620 g, 2.40 mmol) in tert-butanol (10 mL) and triethylamine (0.733 g, 7.2 mmol) was added diphenylphosphoryl azide (0.658 g, 2.4 mmol) and the reaction mixture was heated at reflux temperature for 7 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo and ethyl acetate was added. The organic layer was washed with 1M sodium carbonate solution, dried over sodium sulfate, and the solvent removed in vacuo. The resulting residue was purified by flash column chromatography, eluting with a hexanes-EtOAc gradient to give compound 13-C (0.450 g, 57%); MS m/z (M+H⁺) 330.

Step C: N-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)-N-(3-ethyl-8-trifluoromethylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide (13-D)

To a solution of compound 13-C (0.450 g, 1.37 mmol) in DMF (7.5 mL) at room temperature was added 95% NaH (0.086 g, 3.42 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred for 10 minutes. Benzenesulfonyl chloride (0.362 g, 2.05 mmol) dissolved in DMF (2.5 mL) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction was quenched by the addition of H₂O and the solution was extracted with ethyl acetate. After separation of the organic and aqueous layers a sufficient amount of water was added to remove any dissolved DMF from the organic layer. The organic layer was dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure to afford the crude product. The crude material was purified by flash column chromatography, eluting with a hexanes-EtOAc gradient to give compound 13-D (0.552 g, 86%); MS m/z (M+H⁺) 470.

Step D: N-(3-Ethyl-8-trifluoromethylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide (13-E)

To a solution of compound 13-D (0.235 g, 0.5 mmol) in methylene chloride (4 mL) was added trifluoroacetic acid (2 mL) and the resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 5 h. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo and the crude product, isolated as a light yellow oil, was used in the next step without further purification; MS m/z (M+H⁺) 370.

Step E: N-(3-Ethyl-8-trifluoromethylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)-N-(4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)benzenesulfonamide (Compound 55)

To a solution of compound 13-E (0.060 g, 0.1 mmol) in DMF (3 mL) was added Na₂CO₃ (0.032 g, 0.3 mmol) and 4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylbenzyl bromide (0.028 g, 0.11 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate, washed with water, and dried over sodium sulfate. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo and the residue was purified by flash column chromatography, eluting with a hexanes-EtOAc gradient to give Compound 55 as a white solid (0.047 g, 87%); MS m/z (M+H⁺) 546.

Following the procedures described above for Example 13 and substituting the appropriate reagents, starting materials and purification methods known to those skilled in the art, the following compounds of the present invention were prepared:

Compound Spectral Data

Compound 56 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 546

Compound 57 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 544

Compound 58 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 528

Compound 59 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 528

Example 14

-   -   a) DIAD, PPh₃, THF.

N-(2-Cyclopropylethyl)-N-(3-ethyl-8-trifluoromethylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide (Compound 63)

To a solution of compound 13-E (0.074 g, 0.2 mmol), compound 14-A (0.021 g, 0.24 mmol), and triphenylphosphine (0.068 g, 0.26 mmol) in THF (2 mL) was added diisopropylazodicarboxylate (0.053 g, 0.26 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with water and ethyl acetate. The organic layer was separated, washed with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate (2×), and dried over sodium sulfate. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo and the residue was purified by flash column chromatography, eluting with a hexanes-EtOAc gradient to give Compound 63 as a white solid (0.036 g, 41%); MS m/z (M+H⁺) 438.

Following the procedures described above for Example 14 and substituting the appropriate reagents, starting materials and purification methods known to those skilled in the art, the following compounds of the present invention were prepared:

Compound Spectral Data

Compound 64 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 494

Compound 65 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 424

Compound 66 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 466

Example 15

-   -   a) DPPA, TEA, t-BuOH; b) DMF, 60% NaH, methyl         4-chlorosulfonylbenzoate; c) HCl, dioxane; d) DMF, Na₂CO₃,         4-OCF₃-PhCH₂Br; e) NaOH, H₂O, MeOH.

Step A: tert-Butyl (6-chloro-3-methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)carbamate (15-B)

To a solution of compound 15-A (1.26 g, 6.0 mmol) in tert-butanol (24 mL) and triethylamine (1.83 g, 18 mmol) was added diphenylphosphoryl azide (1.65 g, 6.0 mmol) and the reaction mixture was heated at reflux temperature for 6 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo and ethyl acetate was added. The organic layer was washed with 1M sodium carbonate solution, dried over sodium sulfate, and the solvent removed in vacuo. The resulting residue was purified by flash column chromatography, eluting with a hexanes-EtOAc gradient to give compound 15-B as a light yellow solid (0.975 g, 58%); MS m/z (M+H⁺) 282.

Step B: Methyl 4-(N-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)-N-(6-chloro-3-methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)sulfamoyl)benzoate (15-C)

To a solution of compound 15-B (0.563 g, 2.0 mmol) in DMF (13 mL) at 0° C. was added 60% NaH (0.096 g, 2.4 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred for 10 minutes. Benzenesulfonyl chloride (0.563 g, 2.4 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction was quenched by the addition of H₂O and the solution was extracted with ethyl acetate. After separation of the organic and aqueous layers a sufficient amount of water was added to remove any dissolved DMF from the organic layer. The organic layer was dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure to afford the crude product. The crude material was purified by flash column chromatography, eluting with a hexanes-EtOAc gradient to give compound 15-C as a white solid (0.825 g, 86%); MS m/z (M+H⁺) 480.

Step C: Methyl 4-(N-(6-chloro-3-methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)sulfamoyl)benzoate hydrochloride (15-D)

Compound 15-C (0.820 g, 1.71 mmol) was dissolved in 4N HCl in dioxane (44 mL) and the reaction mixture was stirred for 24 h at room temperature. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo and the crude product was washed with ethyl ether. The resulting solid was filtered, washed with additional ethyl ether, and dried in vacuo to give compound 15-D as a white solid (0.610 g, 86%); MS m/z (M+H⁺) 380.

Step D: Methyl 4-(N-(6-Chloro-3-methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)-N-(4-trifluoromethoxybenzyl)sulfamoyl)benzoate (Compound 110)

To a solution of compound 15-D (0.083 g, 0.2 mmol) in DMF (2 mL) was added Na₂CO₃ (0.064 g, 0.6 mmol) and 4-trifluoromethoxybenzyl bromide (0.056 g, 0.02 mmol) at 0° C. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for 5 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate, washed with water, and dried over sodium sulfate. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo and the residue was purified by flash column chromatography, eluting with a hexanes-EtOAc gradient to give Compound 110 as a white solid (0.078 g, 70%); MS m/z (M+H⁺) 554.

Step E: Sodium 4-(N-(6-Chloro-3-methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)-N-(4-trifluoromethoxybenzyl)sulfamoyl)benzoate (Compound 113)

To a solution of Compound 110 (0.067 g, 0.12 mmol) in methanol (1.2 mL) was added 3N NaOH (42.33 μL, 0.13 mmol) and the reaction mixture was heated at 60° C. for 13 h. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature, the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure to give Compound 113 as a white solid (0.068 g, 99%); ¹H NMR (MeOD): δ 8.21-8.31 (m, 1H), 8.05-8.14 (m, J=8.31 Hz, 2H), 7.68-7.78 (m, J=8.31 Hz, 2H), 7.36-7.40 (m, J=9.54 Hz, 1H), 7.34 (d, J=8.56 Hz, 2H), 7.28 (dd, J=1.71, 9.54 Hz, 1H), 7.12 (d, J=8.07 Hz, 2H), 4.81 (s, 2H), 2.23 (s, 3H); MS m/z (M+H⁺) 540.

Following the procedures described above for Example 15 and substituting the appropriate reagents, starting materials and purification methods known to those skilled in the art, the following compounds of the present invention were prepared:

Compound Spectral Data

Compound 6 ¹H NMR (MeOD): δ 8.19 (d, J = 7.09 Hz, 1H), 8.09-8.15 (m, J = 8.31 Hz, 2H), 7.79-7.85 (m, J = 8.56 Hz, 2H), 7.47 (d, J = 9.54 Hz, 1H), 7.33-7.42 (m, 3H), 7.04-7.15 (m, 3H), 4.81 (s, 2H); MS m/z (M + H⁺) 526.

Compound 111 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 506

Compound 112 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 556

Compound 114 ¹H NMR (MeOD): δ 8.29 (s, 1H), 8.02- 8.14 (m, J = 8.31 Hz, 2H), 7.69-7.78 (m, J = 8.31 Hz, 2H), 7.38 (d, J = 9.54 Hz, 1H), 7.28 (dd, J = 1.83, 9.66 Hz, 1H), 7.16-7.26 (m, 1H), 7.05-7.15 (m, 1H), 6.98-7.05 (m, 1H), 4.76 (s, 2H), 2.28 (s, 3H); MS m/z (M + H⁺) 492.

Compound 115 ¹H NMR (MeOD): δ 8.29 (s, 1H), 8.05- 8.13 (m, J = 8.31 Hz, 2H), 7.69-7.78 (m, J = 8.31 Hz, 2H), 7.60 (d, J = 6.60 Hz, 1H), 7.49-7.57 (m, 1H), 7.38 (d, J = 9.78 Hz, 1H), 7.29 (dd, J = 1.83, 9.66 Hz, 1H), 7.11-7.23 (m, 1H), 4.84 (s, 2H), 2.27 (s, 3H); MS m/z (M + H⁺) 542.

Compound 116 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 540

Example 16

-   -   a) HCl, dioxane, MeOH; b)

-   -    16-B, pyridine; c) DMF, Na₂CO₃, 4-F, 3-CF₃-PhCH₂Br.

Step A: 2-Amino-6-chloro-3-methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine hydrochloride (16-A)

Compound 15-B (0.500 g, 1.77 mmol) was dissolved in 4N HCl in dioxane (17.75 mL) and methanol (12 mL) and the reaction mixture was stirred for 3 h at room temperature. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo to give compound 16-A as a light yellow solid; MS m/z (M+H⁺) 182.

Step B: N-(6-chloro-3-methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)-4-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)benzenesulfonamide (16-C)

To a solution of compound 16-A (0.065 g, 0.3 mmol) in pyridine (1.5 mL) at 0° C. was added compound 16-B (0.087 g, 0.36 mmol). The ice bath was removed and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo, and the crude product was purified by flash column chromatography, eluting with a hexanes-EtOAc gradient to give compound 16-C (0.045 g, 39%) as a light yellow solid; MS m/z (M+H⁺) 388.

Step C: N-(6-chloro-3-methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)-N-(4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-4-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)benzenesulfonamide (Compound 102)

To a solution of compound 16-C (0.011 g, 0.27 mmol) in DMF (0.5 mL) was added Na₂CO₃ (0.0057 g, 0.054 mmol) and 4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylbenzyl bromide (0.0077 g, 0.03 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate, washed with water, and dried over sodium sulfate. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo and the residue was purified by flash column chromatography, eluting with a hexanes-EtOAc gradient to give Compound 102 (0.011 g, 72%) as a white solid; MS m/z (M+H⁺) 564.

Following the procedures described above for Example 16 and substituting the appropriate reagents, starting materials and purification methods known to those skilled in the art, the following compounds of the present invention were prepared:

Compound Spectral Data

Compound 103 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 564

Compound 104 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 562

Compound 105 MS m/z (M + H⁺) 546

Example 17

-   -   a) NaOH, MeOH, H₂O; b) DPPA, TEA, t-BuOH; c) HCl, dioxane; d)         MeO₂CCH₂SO₂Cl, pyridine, CH₂Cl₂; e) DIAD, PPh₃,         4-trifluoromethoxybenzyl alcohol, THF; f) LAH, THF; g) CBr₄,         PPh₃, CH₂Cl₂; h) diisobutylamine, CH₃CN.

Step A: 7-Trifluoromethyl-3-methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-2-carboxylate (17-B)

To a solution of compound 17-A (0.978 g, 3.79 mmol) in MeOH (6 mL) and H₂O (3 mL) was added sodium hydroxide (0.227 g, 5.68 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The mixture was acidified with 2N HCl to pH 4-5 and concentrated in vacuo. The resulting residue was taken up in EtOAc, and the organic layer was washed with H₂O and then dried over Na₂SO₄. The mixture was filtered and the filtrate concentrated in vacuo to give compound 17-B as a light yellow solid (0.866 g, 94%), which was used as such in the next reaction; MS m/z (M+H⁺) 245.

Step B: tert-Butyl (7-trifluoromethyl-3-methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)carbamate (17-C)

To a solution of compound 17-B (0.860 g, 3.52 mmol) in tert-butanol (20 mL) and triethylamine (1.07 g, 10.57 mmol) was added diphenylphosphoryl azide (0.969 g, 3.52 mmol) and the reaction mixture was heated at reflux temperature for 6 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo and ethyl acetate was added. The organic layer was washed with 1M sodium carbonate solution, dried over sodium sulfate, and the solvent removed in vacuo. The resulting residue was purified by flash column chromatography, eluting with a hexanes-EtOAc gradient to give compound 17-C as a light yellow solid (0.447 g, 40%); MS m/z (M+H⁺) 316.

Step C: 2-Amino-7-trifluoromethyl-3-methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine hydrochloride (17-D)

Compound 17-C (0.221 g, 0.7 mmol) was dissolved in 4N HCl in dioxane (7 mL) and the reaction mixture was stirred for 2 h at room temperature. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo to give compound 17-D as a light yellow solid; MS m/z (M+H⁺) 216.

Step D: Methyl N-(7-trifluoromethyl-3-methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)sulfamoylacetate (17-E)

To a solution of compound 17-D (0.176 g, 0.7 mmol) and pyridine (0.116 g, 1.47 mmol) in methylene chloride (2 mL) at 0° C. was added methyl chlorosulfonylacetate (0.127 g, 0.74 mmol) in methylene chloride (1 mL). The reaction mixture was allowed to warm slowly to room temperature and stirred overnight. Additional methyl chlorosulfonylacetate (0.036 g) in methylene chloride (0.3 mL) and pyridine (0.035 g) were added at 0° C. and the reaction mixture was allowed to warm slowly to room temperature and stirred overnight. An additional amount of methyl chlorosulfonylacetate (0.036 g) in methylene chloride (0.3 mL) and pyridine (0.035 g) were added at 0° C. and the reaction mixture was allowed to warm slowly to room temperature and stirred for an additional 3 h. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo. The crude product was purified by flash column chromatography, eluting with a hexanes-EtOAc gradient to give compound 17-E as a light yellow solid (0.160 g, 65%); MS m/z (M+H⁺) 352.

Step E: Methyl N-(4-trifluoromethoxybenzyl)-N-(7-trifluoromethyl-3-methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)sulfamoylacetate (17-F)

To a solution of compound 17-E (0.155 g, 0.44 mmol), 4-trifluoromethoxybenzyl alcohol (0.110 g, 0.57 mmol), and triphenylphosphine (0.150 g, 0.57 mmol) in THF (4.5 mL) was added diisopropylazodicarboxylate (0.116 g, 0.57 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 h. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo and the resulting residue was purified by flash column chromatography, eluting with a hexanes-EtOAc gradient to give compound 17-F as a light yellow gum (0.231 g, 100%); MS m/z (M+H⁺) 526.

Step F: N-(4-Trifluoromethoxybenzyl)-N-(7-trifluoromethyl-3-methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)-2-hydroxyethylsulfonamide (17-G)

To a solution of compound 17-F (0.226 g, 0.43 mmol) in THF (8 mL) at 0° C. was added lithium aluminum hydride (1M in THF, 0.43 mL, 0.43 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred for 1 h at 0° C. To the stirred mixture at 0° C. was added water and the resulting mixture was concentrated in vacuo. The resulting residue was purified by flash column chromatography, eluting with a hexanes-EtOAc gradient to give compound 17-G as a colorless gum (0.031 g, 14%); MS m/z (M+H⁺) 498.

Step G: N-(4-Trifluoromethoxybenzyl)-N-(7-trifluoromethyl-3-methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)-2-bromoethylsulfonamide (17-H)

To a solution of compound 17-G (0.031 g, 0.062 mmol) and carbon tetrabromide (0.025 g, 0.075 mmol) in methylene chloride (1.5 mL) at 0° C. was added triphenylphosphine (0.020 g, 0.075 mmol). The ice bath was removed and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo and the resulting residue was purified by flash column chromatography, eluting with a hexanes-EtOAc gradient to give compound 17-H as a white solid (0.010 g, 29%); MS m/z (M+H⁺) 560.

Step H: N-(4-Trifluoromethoxybenzyl)-N-(7-trifluoromethyl-3-methylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-2-yl)-2-(N,N-diisobutylamino)ethylsulfonamide (Compound 106)

To a solution of compound 17-H (0.004 g, 0.007 mmol) in acetonitrile (0.4 mL) was added diisobutylamine (0.009 g, 0.071 mmol) and the reaction mixture was heated at 80° C. for 18 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the resulting residue was purified by flash column chromatography, eluting with a hexanes-EtOAc gradient to give Compound 106 as a white solid (0.004 g, 97%); MS m/z (M+H⁺) 609.

BIOLOGICAL EXAMPLES Example 1 In Vitro Canine TRPM8 Functional Assay

The functional activity of compounds of the formula (I) was determined by measuring changes in intracellular calcium concentration using a Ca²⁺-sensitive fluorescent dye. The changes in fluorescent signal were monitored by a fluorescence plate reader, either a FLIPR™ (Molecular Devices) or FDSS (Hamamatsu). Increases in intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration were readily detected upon activation with icilin.

At 24 hrs prior to assay, HEK293 cells stably expressing canine TRPM8 were seeded in culture medium in black wall, clear-base poly-D-lysine coated 384-well plates (BD Biosciences, NJ, USA) and grown overnight in 5% CO₂ at 37° C. On assay day, growth media was removed and cells were loaded with Calcium 3 Dye (Molecular Devices) for 35 min at 37° C., under 5% CO₂ and then for 25 min at room temperature and atmosphere. Subsequently, cells were tested for agonist-induced increases in intracellular Ca²⁺ levels using FLIPR™ or FDSS. Cells were challenged with a compound of the Formula (I) (at varying concentrations) and intracellular Ca²⁺ was measured for 5 min prior to the addition of icilin to all wells to achieve a final concentration that produces approximately an 80% maximal response. EC₅₀ or IC₅₀ values for compounds of the present invention were determined from eight-point dose-response studies. Curves were generated using the average of quadruplicate wells for each data point. The resultant data are displayed in Tables 1 and 2.

TABLE 1 Cpd % Inh (%) No TRPM8 IC50 (μM) @ 0.2 μM 1 0.00325 3 0.00180 4 0.0167 5 0.00530 6  0.0302, 0.00224 102 7 0.0298 8 0.0183, 0.0235, 0.0286 97, 96 9 0.0136 10 0.0174 11 0.00568 12 0.0487 13 0.0489 14 0.0207 15 0.0160 16 0.0720 17 0.0743 18 0.0786 19 0.0144 20 0.0101 21 0.0106, 0.0124 22 51 23 58 24 0.01337 25 0.00349 26 0.0101 100 27 0.00611 100 28 0.00801 100 29 0.0322 90 30 0.0100 100 31 0.0103 101 32 0.0125 100 33 0.0267 99 34 0.00983 100 35 0.0449 74 36 0.0225 100 37 0.0294 100 38 0.00876, 0.0194  100 39 0.0289 99 40 0.0222 100 41 0.0253 100 42 0.0254 99 43 0.0243 99 44 0.0183 100 45 0.0390 99 46 0.0136 99 47 0.0104 100 48 0.0110 99 49 0.0133 99 50 0.0123 101 51 0.00656 101 52 0.00943 101 53 0.00319 101 54 0.00792 101 55 0.0334 94 56 0.0650 99 57 0.0966 82 58 0.0715 87 59 0.0802 97 60 55 61 47 62 56 63 0.0241 99 64 0.0220 99 65 0.0628 72 66 0.0774 83 67 0.0621 96 68 0.04164 100 69 0.0282 101 70 0.00821 101 71 0.0215 101 72 0.0113 101 73 0.0372 100 74 0.0626 74 75 0.00194 99 76 0.0705 72 77 0.00227 100 78 26 79 0.00317 99 80 0.0121 99 81 0.0197 99 82 0.0142 100 83 0.0746 87 84 0.0115 100 85 0.0312 100 86 0.0107 99 87 0.0863 86 88 0.0414 100 89 0.0250 99 90 0.0269 99 91 0.0416 99 92 0.0250 99 93 0.0269 98 94 0.0484 97 95 0.00700 99 96 0.00550 100 97 0.00848 99 98 0.00404 99 99 0.0151 99 100 31 101 22 102 0.02183 100 103 0.0245 98 104 0.0516 93 105 0.0303 98 107 0.00568 101 108 0.0104 101 109 0.00231 101 110 0.0572 82 111 0.0815 73 112 0.0821 83 113 0.0146 102 114 38 115 0.0349 96 116 0.00529 102 117 0.0135 101 118 0.0180 100 119 0.0239 100 120 0.0122 102 121 0.0328 101 122 0.00403 99

TABLE 2 EC50 Cpd No (μM) % Eff (%) @0.24 μM 106 0.093 111

In Vivo Models Example 2 Inhibition of Icilin-Induced Behaviors in Rodents

Icilin was initially developed as a “super-cooling” compound by Delmar Chemicals Ltd. Subsequently it was shown to be one of the most potent known agonists of TRPM8 (McKemy D D, et al. Nature 2002, 416(6876): 52-8), having an EC₅₀=0.2 μM in stimulating calcium ion influx into TRPM8 transfected cells (Behrendt H J et al. Brit J Pharmacol 2004, 141(4): 737-45). Initial in vivo testing of icilin showed it to cause “wet-dog” shakes in rats. Similar shaking or jumping behavior was also evident in mice, rabbits, cats, dogs and monkeys. In humans, icilin produced a sensation of coolness on contact with mucous membranes, cold prickling when 0.1 mg was dropped on the tongue and coldness in the mouth, pharynx and chest lasting 30-60 minutes when 5-10 mg was ingested orally (Wei E T, Seid D A, J Pharm Pharmacol. 1983, 35, 110). The inhibition or reversal of icilin-induced shaking behaviors in rodents provides evidence for the utility of TRPM8 antagonists of the formula (I) in treating or preventing a disease, syndrome, disorder, or condition in a subject in which the disease, syndrome, disorder or condition is affected by the modulation of TRPM8 receptors.

Example 2a Inhibition of Icilin-Induced “Wet-Dog” Shakes in Rats

Male Sprague Dawley rats (220-450 g, Charles River Labs, n=6-9/treatment) may be used to evaluate the ability of selected compounds of the formula (I) to block icilin-induced “wet-dog” shakes (WDS). Compounds of the formula (I) may be administered in an appropriate vehicle, such as hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPIβCD), methocellulose, 10% Solutol, or H₂O, or the like, by the appropriate route, i.p. or p.o., 30-120 minutes before icilin. Icilin may be administered in PEG-400 or 10% solutol/H₂O, at 1.0 or 3.0 mg/kg, i.p. and spontaneous “wet-dog” shakes may be counted 10-20 minutes post-icilin. Results are shown in Table 2.

TABLE 2 % Cpd Form Dose Route Vehicle Inhibition 8 Hydrochloride 10 p.o. 10% 15.5 Solutol 38 Hydrochloride 10 p.o. 20% 6.5 HPβCD 107 CO₂ ⁻Na⁺ 10 p.o. 20% −20.6 HPβCD 109 CO₂ ⁻Na⁺ 10 p.o. 20% −7.5 HPβCD

Example 2b Reversal of Icilin-Induced Behaviors in Rats

Male Sprague Dawley rats (225-450 g, Charles River Labs, n=4-6/treatment) may be used to evaluate the ability of selected compounds of the formula (I) to reverse icilin-induced “wet-dog” shakes. Icilin may be administered in PEG-400 or 10% solutol/H₂O, at 1.0 or 3.0 mg/kg, i.p. and spontaneous “wet-dog” shakes (WDS) may be counted 10-20 minutes post-icilin. Animals that may exhibit 10 or more shakes may be randomized into treatment groups and may immediately be administered compounds of the formula (I) in an appropriate vehicle, such as hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD), methocellulose, 10% Solutol, or H₂O, or the like, and by the appropriate route, such as i.p. or p.o. Spontaneous “wet-dog” shakes may be counted 60-70 minutes after compound administration.

Example 3 In Vivo Model of Subacute Inflammatory Pain: Carrageenan-Induced Hyperalgesia

Intraplantar injection of carrageenan into the hind paw of rats causes a robust acute inflammatory response characterized by reddening, swelling and hypersensitivity of the paw to thermal and mechanical stimuli typically peaking 3-6 hours following application and subsiding over the 12-24 hours.

Example 3a Rat Carrageenan-Induced Radiant Heat Hypersensitivity

To assess the effect of test compounds of the formula (I) on inflammatory hyperalgesia, radiant heat response latencies may be evaluated 3 hours following intraplantar carrageenan (Lambda, Type IV, 200 uL) injection into a single hind paw in male Sprague-Dawley rats. The test compound may be administered either 2 hours prior to or 1 hour following carrageenan injection. The intent is to determine whether the compound may prevent or retard the hypersensitivity associated with this inflammogen. Baseline thermal response latencies may be determined prior to any treatment and again 3 hours after carrageenan injection. Percent reversal of hyperalgesia relative to vehicle treatment (% R) may be calculated for both compound treatment paradigms according to the following formula: % R=(Post compound latency−Post vehicle latency)/((Baseline latency−Post vehicle latency)×100%.

Example 4 In Vivo Model for of Chronic Inflammatory Pain: Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA)-Induced Hyperalgesia

Intraplantar injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) in rodents results in a long-lasting inflammatory reaction, characterized by a pronounced hypersensitivity to both thermal and mechanical stimuli. This hypersensitivity peaks between 24-72 hours following injection and can last for several weeks. To assess whether test compounds of the formula (I) reverse established hypersensitivity, a 100 μL intraplantar injection of CFA (suspended in a 1:1 emulsion of saline and heat-killed Mycobacterium tuberculosis in mineral oil) can be injected into a single hind paw of Sprague-Dawley rats (typically males ranging from 150-350 g). This paradigm also may be conducted with a multiple dosing or a prophylactic dosing regime designed to alter the course of hyperalgesia development. This test predicts the analgesic, anti-allodynic and antihyperalgesic effect of numerous effective clinical agents, including acetaminophen, NSAIDS such as aspirin and ibuprofen, and opioids, such as morphine.

Example 4a CFA-Induced Paw Radiant Heat Hypersensitivity

Each rat may be placed in a test chamber on a warm glass surface and allowed to acclimate for approximately 10 minutes. A radiant thermal stimulus (beam of light) may then be focused through the glass onto the plantar surface of each hind paw in turn. The thermal stimulus may be automatically shut off by a photoelectric relay when the paw is moved or when the cut-off time is reached (20 seconds for radiant heat at ˜5 Amps). An initial (baseline) response latency to the thermal stimulus may be recorded for each animal prior to the injection of CFA. Twenty-four hours following intraplantar CFA injection, the response latency of the animal to the thermal stimulus may be re-evaluated and compared to the animal's baseline response time. Only rats that exhibit at least a 25% reduction in response latency (i.e. hyperalgesia) are included in further analysis. Immediately following the post-CFA latency assessment, test compound or vehicle (usually Solutol, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin or PEG-400) may be administered i.p. or p.o. to rats. Post-compound treatment withdrawal latencies may be assessed at fixed time intervals, typically 30, 60 and 120 minutes. The percent reversal (% R) of hypersenstivitiy is calculated according to the following formula: % Reversal=(Treatment Response−CFA Response)/(Baseline Response−CFA Response)×100.

Example 4b CFA-Induced Paw Cold Hypersensitivity

Prior to intraplantar CFA injection, mice or rats may be placed individually in elevated observation chambers having wire mesh floors. Through the mesh floor a series of three applications of acetone (0.04−0.10 mL/application) may be sprayed onto the bottom of the paw using a multidose syringe device. A positive response can take the form of an abrupt withdrawal and licking of the paw. The cumulative duration of licking may be recorded for each of the three trials which are then averaged to give the individual's response. Twenty-four hours following CFA injection acetone licking durations may be markedly elevated implying a hypersensitivity to cooling. Test compounds of the formula (I) can be assessed for its ability to return acetone-evoked paw licking durations to pre-CFA levels (typically near zero) following systemic administration. Percent inhibition is calculated as follows % Inhibition=[1−(treatment licking duration/vehicle licking duration)]×100.

Example 5 Chemically-Induced Abdominal Irritant Models of Visceral Pain

A chemical irritant (such as acetic acid, kaolin, bradykinin, phenyl-p-(benzo) quinine, bromo-acetylcholine, or zymosan) may be injected in mice intraperitoneally, causing a contraction of the abdominal musculature, which is characterized by an elongation of the body extending through to the hind limbs The number of such responses may be quantitated and may be reduced by pretreatment of analgesic agents, thus forming the basis for a screening test (Collier H O et al. Br J Pharmacol Chemother 1968, 32(2): 295-310). This type of abdominal irritant test has been used to predict the analgesic effect of numerous clinically effective agents, the potency of which in the abdominal irritant test parallels the magnitude of the dose needed in the relief of clinical pain. Such agents include acetaminophen, NSAIDS such as aspirin and ibuprofen, opioids, such as morphine and codeine, and other centrally acting analgesics, such as tramadol.

One modification of the chemically-induced abdmonial irritant model of visceral pain is to pretreat animals with agents known to induce inflammatory responses following intraperitoneal injection (such as LPS, zymosan, or thioglycolate). A small intraperitoneal dose of such an inflammogen, administered hours or days before the acute chemical irritant challenge, has been shown to increase the number of abdominal contractions observed (Ribeiro R A, et al. Eur J Pharmacol 2000, 387(1): 111-8). While some analgesic agents are effective at mitigating acute viscerochemical nociception, others, particularly those dependent upon receptor induction are more effective at preventing or reversing the enhancement of behavioral responses caused by a preconditioning inflammatory stimulus. Because of the up-regulation of the TRPM8 receptor in inflammation, TRPM8 antagonists that are effective at reducing the mean number of contractions are predicted to provide analgesic action in human clinical use.

The ability of compounds of the formula (I) to mitigate chemical irritant-induced abdominal contractions following a pre-conditioning inflammatory stimulus may be studied as follows. Thioglycolate (3%, w/v, 2-3 mL i.p.) may be injected into male CD1 mice (20-40 g, Charles River Labs), at a maximum dosage volume of 80 mL/kg, to induce peritoneal inflammation. Following a twenty-four hour pre-inflammation period these mice may be dosed orally with compounds of the formula (I) (30 mg/kg; n=10) or vehicle (HPMC with 2% Tween80; n=9) and then one hour later subjected to an abdominal irritant challenge of acetic acid (1%, 10 mL/kg, i.p.). Immediately following injection of acetic acid, mice may be placed individually in glass bell jars (approximately 15 cm in diameter) for counting of abdominal contractions over the next 15 minutes. The total number of abdominal contractions may be summed for each treatment group and employed in the following formula to calculate Percent Inhibition (% I): % I=[1−(test compound contractions/vehicle contractions)]×100.

Example 6 In Vivo Models of Neuropathic Pain

The sciatic nerve is the major sensorimotor innervation of the (hind) leg and foot. Injury to the sciatic nerve or its constituent spinal nerves often results in pain-related behaviors. In rats and mice, tight ligation of the L5 spinal nerve with silk suture, partial tight ligation of the sciatic nerve with silk suture or loose ligation of the sciatic nerve with chromic gut suture each result in behaviors reminiscent of neuropathic pain in humans. These lesions (one per animal) may be performed surgically in anesthetized rodents. Both the spinal nerve and sciatic nerve lesions result in allodynia, a painful response to normally innocuous stimuli, and hyperalgesia, an exaggerated response to normally noxious stimuli. It is important to note that both of these pain-related behaviors may be evoked by the testing procedures and that normal use of the paw (e.g., walking) is relatively uncompromised, apart from occasional “guarding” of the paw. Subsequent to the surgery, the subjects' behaviors, such as grooming, feeding, and weight gain, are normal, except for hypersensitivity (as defined above) of the affected paw.

In addition to induction by nerve damage resulting from accidental trauma or surgical procedures, neuropathic pain can also be induced by diabetes (Fox, A et al., Pain 81:307-316, 1999) or by treatment with chemotherapeutic agents, such as paclitaxel or vincristine (Yaksh, T L et al., Pain 93:69-76, 2001).

Agents that attenuate neuropathic pain in the clinic also are effective in rodent neuropathic pain models. These agents include the recently approved Cymbalta (Duloxetine, Iyengar, S., et al., JPET 2004 311:576-584), morphine (Suzuki, R et al., Pain 1999 80:215-228) and gabapentin (Hunter, J C et al., Eur J Pharmacol 1997 324:153-160). The dual TRPV1/TRPM8 receptor antagonist BCTC reduced mechanical hyperalgesia and tactile allodynia in the chronic constriction injury rodent neuropathic pain model (Pomonis, J D et al., JPET 2003 306:387-393; Behrendt, H et al., Brit J Pharm 2004 141:737). Cold allodynia is a particularly debilitating symptom of neuropathic pain conditions (Jorum E et al. Pain 2003 101: 229-235). The antiallodynic effect of compounds of the formula (I) in this rodent model is predictive of clinical effect for these novel agents.

Example 6a Chronic Constriction Injury (CCI)-Induced Model of Neuropathic Pain—Acetone-Induced Hypersensitivity

Male Sprague Dawley rats (225-450 g; n=5-8/treatment) may be used to evaluate the ability of selected compounds of the formula (I) to reverse CCI-induced cold hypersensitivity. Four loose ligatures of 4-0 chromic gut may be surgically placed around the left sciatic nerve under inhalation anesthesia as described by Bennett et al (Bennett G J, Xie Y K. Pain 1988, 33(1): 87-107). Fourteen to 35 days following CCI surgery, subjects may be placed in elevated observation chambers containing wire mesh floors and five applications of acetone (0.05 mL/application separated by approximately 5 minutes) may be spritzed onto the plantar surface of the paw using a multidose syringe. An abrupt withdrawal or lifting of the paw may be considered as a positive response. The number of positive responses may be recorded for each rat over the five trials. Following baseline withdrawal determinations, compounds of formula (I) may be administered in an appropriate vehicle, such as hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP β CD), methylcellulose, Methocel, 10% Solutol, or H₂O, or the like, by the appropriate route, i.p. or p.o. The number of withdrawals may be redetermined 1 to 3 h after compound administration. Results may be presented as a percent inhibition of shakes, which was calculated for each subject as [1-(test compound withdrawals/pre-test withdrawals)]×100 and then averaged by treatment.

Example 6b Chronic Constriction Injury (CCI)-Induced Model of Neuropathic Pain—Cold Plate-Induced Hypersensitivity

In male SD rats (175-325 g), four loose ligatures of 4-0 chromic gut may be surgically placed around the left sciatic nerve under inhalation anesthesia as described by Bennet et al (Bennett G J, Xie Y K. Pain 1988, 33(1): 87-107). Seven to 21 days following sciatic chronic constriction injury (CCI) surgery, the subjects can be placed onto a commercial cold plate device cooled by peltier elements such that the surface temperature is held at 1° C. Each subject can undergo a 6 minute conditioning period followed by a 3 minute assessment period during which the total duration of hind paw lifting is recorded. This procedure is repeated at several intervals prior to and following systemic drug administration. Compounds of the formula (I) can be assessed for their ability to return duration of paw lifting back to pre-lesion levels. The duration of paw lifting during the 3 minute test period following administration of test compound is taken as a percentage of the duration of paw lifting during the 3 minute test period prior to test compound treatment.

Example 6c Chronic Constriction Injury (CCI)-Induced Model of Neuropathic Pain—Mechanical Allodynia (Von Frey Test)

In male SD rats (175-325 g), four loose ligatures of 4-0 chromic gut may be surgically placed around the left sciatic nerve under inhalation anesthesia as described by Bennet et al (Bennett G J, Xie Y K. Pain 1988, 33(1): 87-107). Seven to 21 days following sciatic chronic constriction injury (CCI) surgery, the subjects can be placed onto an elevated rack of plexigas chambers having wire mesh or another type of perforated flooring. The measurement of mechanical allodynia can be performed using the von Frey hairs (Semmes-Weinstein Monofilaments, Stoelting Co., IL) wherein the rats can be habituated to the wire mesh bottom cages before the start of the experiment. Static allodynia can be tested in the unrestrained rats by touching the plantar surface of the hind paw with von Frey hairs in ascending order of force (1.2, 1.5, 2.0, 3.6, 5.5, 8.5, 12, 15, 29, and 76 g) for up to 6 s or until a paw withdrawal response can be elicited. The lowest amount of force required to elicit a response can be recorded as the withdrawal threshold in log g. This procedure is repeated at several intervals prior to and following systemic drug administration. Compounds of the formula (I) can be assessed for their ability to return the threshold force which elicits paw lifting back to pre-lesion levels.

Example 7 Inflammatory Agent-Induced Models of Pyresis/Antipyresis

Compounds of the formula (I) can be tested in animal models of pyresis, according to previously documented and validated methods, such as those described by Kozak et al (Kozak W, Fraifeld V. Front Biosci 2004, 9: 3339-55). Fever is a frequent accompaniment of inflammatory disease. Animal models make use of the pyretic properties of yeast and other inflammatory agents, injecting a yeast suspension or other agent subcutaneously (Tomazetti J et al. J Neurosci Methods 2005, 147(1): 29-35); Van Miert A S, Van Duin C T. Eur J Pharmacol 1977, 44(3): 197-204). For example, Male Wistar rats (75-100 g) can be housed in groups of four to a cage at controlled temperature (23±1° C.) with a 12 h light:12 h dark cycle (lights on at 07:00 h) and with standard lab chow and tap water ad libitum. All measured temperatures can be taken between 08:00 and 19:00 h. Each animal can be used in only one study. Rectal temperature (TR) can be measured by inserting a lubricated thermistor probe (external diameter: 3 mm) 2.8 cm into the rectum of the animal. The probe can be linked to a digital device, which displayed the temperature at the tip of the probe with a 0.1° C. precision and logs the values over time. Immediately after measuring the initial basal rectal temperature, the animals can be injected with commercially available dried baker yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) suspended in pyrogen-free 0.9% NaCl (0.05-0.25 g/kg, i.p.) or 0.9% NaCl (10 ml/kg). TR changes can be recorded every hour up to 12 h, and expressed as the difference from the basal value. Since it has been previously reported that handling and temperature measuring-related stress alter rectal temperature, these animals can be habituated to the injection and measuring procedure for 2 days before experiments are carried out. In these sessions, the animals can be subjected to the same temperature measuring procedure described above, and can be injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with 0.9% NaCl (10 ml/kg).

To assess the effect of potential antipyretic compounds on basal rectal temperature study animals can have their TR measured for 4 h, and after the fourth TR measurement they can be subcutaneously (s.c.) injected with vehicle (such as 10% Solutol in sterile water 5 ml/kg) or compounds of the formula (I) prepared in vehicle. TR can then be recorded every hour up to 8 h after the compound injections. To assess the effect of compounds of the formula (I) on baker yeast-induced hyperthermia, study animals can have their basal TR measured and then be injected with a pyrogenic dose of baker yeast (for example, 0.135 g/kg). TR changes can be recorded every hour up to 4 h, when potential antipyretics agents such as those compounds of the formula (I) are administered. Rectal temperature can then be monitored over the following 8 h. Basal rectal temperature and changes in rectal temperature can be expressed as means±S.E.M. of the differences from TR at 07:00 h. Data can be analyzed by two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), with time of measures treated as within subject factor, depending on the experimental design. Post hoc analysis can be carried out by the F-test for simple effect and the Student-Newman-Keuls test, when appropriate. A value of P<0.05 would be considered statistically significant.

The modification of the subsequent pyretic response by therapeutic agents can also be monitored by rectal telemetry or other measurements of body temperature. Several clinically relevant agents such as acetaminophen, aspirin and ibuprofen, reduce fever in these models. The antipyretic effect of TRPM8 antagonists, such as compounds of the formula (I), in these tests would also be predictive of their clinical effect.

Example 8 CFA-Induced Model of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Compounds of the formula (I) can be tested in animal models of rheumatoid arthritis, according to previously documented and validated methods, such as those described by Nagakura et al (Nagakura Y, et al. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2003, 306(2): 490-7). For example, arthritis can be induced by the CFA inoculation in the rats (Male Lewis rats 150-225 g; Charles River). Briefly, 100 mg of Mycobacterium butyricum (Difco, Detroit, Mich.) can be thoroughly mixed with 20 mL of paraffin oil. Then mixture can be autoclaved for 20 min at 120° C. Each rat can be injected in the right footpad (hind paw) with the mixture in a 0.1-mL volume under inhalation anesthesia. The rats serving as controls can be injected with 0.1 mL of saline. Pain and other disease development parameters can be measured in the CFA- or saline-treated rats just before inoculation and up to 28 days post-inoculation. The measurement for pain parameters can be conducted for both mechanical and thermal (hot or cold) endpoints. The measurement of mechanical allodynia can be performed using the von Frey hairs (Semmes-Weinstein Monofilaments, Stoelting Co., IL) wherein the rats can be habituated to wire mesh bottom cages before the start of the experiment. Static allodynia can be tested in the unrestrained rats by touching the plantar surface of the hind paw with von Frey hairs in ascending order of force (1.2, 1.5, 2.0, 3.6, 5.5, 8.5, 12, 15, 29, and 76 g) for up to 6 s or until a paw withdrawal response can be elicited. The lowest amount of force required to elicit a response can be recorded as the withdrawal threshold in log g. Thermal hyperalgesia can be assessed using the radiant heat test wherein a mobile radiant heat source can be located under a glass surface upon which the rat is placed. The beam of light can be focused on the hind paw, and the paw withdrawal latencies are defined as the time taken by the rat to remove its hind paw from the heat source. The measurement of joint hyperalgesia can be performed by a modification of the previously reported method (Rupniak N M J et al. Pain 1997, 71: 89-97). The torso of each rat can be held from the back with the left palm, and the bending and extension (one after the other and five times in each direction) of the ankle within its limits of range of motion can be performed with the right fingers. The total number of vocalizations emitted after the manipulation (the bending and extension, five times in each direction) can be recorded for each paw (the maximum score is 10 for each paw).

The scoring of mobility can be performed by modifying the evaluation scale reported by Butler et al. (Butler S H et al Pain 1992, 48: 73-81): score 6, walks normally; score 5, walks being protective toward the ipsilateral hind paw (touches the ipsilateral hind paw fully on the floor); score 4, walks being protective toward the ipsilateral hind paw (touches only the toe of the ipsilateral hind paw on the floor); score 3, walks being protective toward both hind paws (touches the contralateral hind paw fully on the floor); score 2, walks being protective toward both hind paws (touches only the toe of the contralateral hind paw on the floor); score 1, crawls only using the fore paws; and score 0, does not move. Paw volumes can be measured by volume displacement of electrolyte solution in a commercially available plethysmometer device. The hind paw can be immersed to the junction of the hairy skin, and the volumes can be read on a digital display. The scoring of joint stiffness can be performed as follows: the body of rats can be held from the back with the left palm, and the bending and extension (once in each direction) of the ankle within its limits of range of motion can be performed with the right fingers. It can be confirmed beforehand that there is no restriction of ankle joint movement in the bending and extension manipulations in naive rats, and the scoring can be performed according to the evaluation scale reported by Butler (Butler S H et al Pain 1992, 48: 73-81): score 2, there are restrictions of full range of movement of the ankle in both bending and extension; score 1, there is a restriction of full range of movement of the ankle in bending or extension; and score 0, no restriction. The measurements for paw volume and joint stiffness can be conducted for both hind paws.

Compounds of the formula (I) can be assessed for antihyperalgesic efficacy as follows: thirty-two rats (8 rats per dose and four doses per compound) that are be treated with the CFA and another eight rats as naive controls can be used for each drug evaluation. The analgesic effects can be evaluated on post-inoculation day 9, when mechanical allodynia, thermal hyperalgesia, joint hyperalgesia, and joint stiffness in the ipsilateral paw reached almost the maximum, although those parameters in the contralateral paw changed only slightly and the systemic disturbance shown by the change of mobility score is small. On the day before evaluation, body weight, mechanical allodynia, thermal hyperalgesia, and joint hyperalgesia can be measured for the 32 rats that are to be used for compound evaluation. The rats are allocated to four groups (eight rats per group) such that the differences in the averages of those parameters among the groups became small. All the analgesic effect evaluations and behavioral observations can be carried out by the observer who is blind to the drug treatment.

Data can be expressed as the mean+/−S.E.M. The time-course curves for mechanical allodynia, thermal hyperalgesia, joint hyperalgesia, body weight, and paw volume can be subjected to two-way repeated measures analysis of variance with post hoc t test. In experiments for evaluation of compounds of formula (I), the difference in scores between the vehicle-treated and naive control groups can be analyzed by Student's t test to confirm significant changes in the pain parameters in the ipsilateral paw. The analgesic effects can be analyzed by Dunnett's t test, and in each case the drug-treated groups can be compared with the vehicle-treated group. In each statistical analysis, the comparison can be conducted for paws on the corresponding side. P<0.05 is considered statistically significant. In this model, the centrally acting analgesics morphine and tramadol fully relieved pain, whereas the NSAIDs, indomethacin and diclofenac are partially effective, evidencing the model's clinical predictability. The analgesic effect of compounds of the formula (I) in this test would predict their clinical usefulness in treating arthritis.

Example 9 In Vivo Model for Arthritis: Inflammogen-Induced Hyperalgesia of the Knee Joint

Compounds of the formula (I) can be tested in animal models of osteoarthritis, according to previously documented and validated methods, such as those described by Sluka et al (Sluka K A, Westlund K N. Pain 1993, 55(3): 367-77). For example, male Sprague-Dawley rats (Harlan, Indianapolis, Ind.) weighing 225 to 350 g can be briefly anesthetized with vaporized halothane and then injected with a mixture of 3% carrageenan and 3% kaolin (100 μL in 0.9% sterile saline) into the joint cavity of one knee. After the injection, the animals can be returned to their cages until the time of testing. For behavioral testing animals can be placed in individual clear plastic cages on top of an elevated wire mesh surface that restricted movement. The animals should be allowed to acclimate for approximately 1 hour before testing. Von Frey filaments, as described above, can then be used to test for enhanced responses to mechanical stimuli. The filaments can be successively applied through the wire mesh perpendicularly to the plantar surface in between the pads of the third and fourth phalanges. The response threshold to mechanical stimuli can be determined before inflammation of the knee joint; 4 hours after inflammation to confirm the development of hyperalgesia; immediately after the administration of test compound such as those of Formula (I) i.e. 5 hours after inflammation; and at 8, 12, and 24 hours after inflammation.

The Kruskal-Wallis test, a nonparametric test, can be used to analyze the effects for frequency, intensity, and group for response to mechanical stimuli at baseline, 4 hours after inflammation, and after compound treatment (5 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours, and 24 hours after inflammation). Further post hoc testing between groups can be executed by using the Mann-Whitney signed rank test. The data can be presented as median with 25th and 75th percentiles. Significance is P≦0.05.

Additionally, the gait of the animal or other pain-related behavior can be scored as the dependent measure of the painful effect of the arthritis on the animal's activity (Hallas B, Lehman S, Bosak A, et al. J Am Osteopath Assoc 1997, 97(4): 207-14). The effect of test drug on the animal's normal behavior can be quantified from zero, meaning no response, to three for incapacitating impairment. Effective analgesic treatment includes the clinically used indomethacin (Motta A F, et al. Life Sci 2003, 73(15): 1995-2004). Thus the benefit of compounds of the formula (I) in this model would predict their clinical relevance.

Example 10 Sarcoma Cell-Induced Models of Bone Cancer Pain

Compounds of the formula (I) can be tested in animal models of bone cancer pain, according to previously documented and validated methods, such as those described in the scientific literature (El Mouedden M, Meert T F. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2005, 82(1): 109-19; Ghilardi J R, et al. J Neurosci 2005, 25(12): 3126-31). In preparation for cell inoculation and tumor induction, osteolytic murine sarcoma cells (NCTC 2472, American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), Rockville, Md., USA) can be cultured in NCTC 135 medium (Invitrogen) containing 10% horse serum (Gibco) and passaged 2 times weekly according to ATCC guidelines. For their administration, cells can be detached by scraping and then centrifuged at 1000×g. The pellet can be suspended in fresh NCTC 135 medium (2.5×10⁶ cells/20 μL) and then used for intramedullary femur inoculation. Male C3H/HeNCrl mice (25-30 g, Charles River Labs) can be used in such experiments. After induction of general anesthesia with xylazine (10 mg/kg i.p.) and ketamine (100 mg/kg i.p.) the left hind paw can be shaved and disinfected with povidone—iodine followed by 70% ethanol. A superficial incision of 1 cm can then be made over the knee overlaying the patella. The patellar ligament can then be cut, exposing the condyles of the distal femur. A 23-gauge needle can be inserted at the level of the intercondylar notch and the intramedullary canal of the femur to create a cavity for injection of the cells. Twenty microliters of media (sham animals) or media containing tumor cells (approximately 2.5×10⁶ cells) can then be injected into the bone cavity using a syringe. To prevent leakage of cells outside the bone, the injection site can be sealed with dental acrylic and the wound closed with skin stitches.

Pain behaviors can be evaluated in separate groups (n=6) of sham and bone tumor mice with confirmed hyperalgesia as assessed by spontaneous lifting behavior. Animals can be behaviorally tested during a 3-week period prior to and after tumor inoculation. Body weight of the mice can be recorded throughout the experimental period to help monitor general health status. To measure the spontaneous lifting, the animals can be habituated in a transparent acrylic cylinder of 20 cm diameter put on an horizontal surface and thereafter observed during 4 min for spontaneous lifting behavior of the left hind paw. After spontaneous lifting behavior assessment, animals can be immediately placed on a mouse rotarod (e.g. ENV-575M\, Med Associates Inc., GA, USA) at a speed of 16 rpm for 2 min wherein limb-use during forced ambulation is scored: 4=normal; 3=limping; 2=partial non-use of left hind paw; 1=substantial non-use of left hind paw; 0=non-use of left hind paw. Assessment of cold allodynia may be made by exposing the ipsilateral hind paw of the mouse to 5 repeated applications of acetone (20 μL) and quantifying the lift/licking frequency and/or duration. Post-mortem evaluation of bone destruction can be assessed by ACT processing followed by scanning using a system such as the Skyscan 1076 microtomograph system for small animal imaging (Skyscan 1076\, Skyscan, Aartselaar, Belgium). Measured histomorphometry parameters of bone destruction can be subsequently correlated with behavioral endpoints.

The antihyperalgesic, antiallodynic and disease modifying effects of compounds of the formula (I) can be tested in this murine model of bone cancer pain in separate groups (n=6 per dose group). Animals with confirmed hyperalgesia, as assessed by spontaneous or acetone-evoked lifting, can be behaviorally tested, for example, on days 15 and 22 after distal femur tumor inoculation before and 1 h after systemic administration of vehicle (e.g. 20% HPbCD in sterile water) or compounds of the formula (I). The statistical analysis can be performed by one-way ANOVA to compare behavioral measurements and bone parameters among the experimental groups. To compare behavioral measurements and bone parameters between sham and tumor-bearing animals, a Mann-Whitney U test can be used. Results are considered statistically significant at P<0.05 (two-tailed). Data are expressed as mean+/−S.E.M.

Bone cancer causes intense pain in humans, mimicked in animal models of bone cancer pain in rodents such as that described above. Analgesic treatments that are effective in this model include COX-2 inhibitors (Sabino M A, Ghilardi J R, Jongen J L, et al. Cancer Res 2002, 62(24): 7343-9) and high doses of morphine (Luger N M et al. Pain 2002, 99(3): 397-406), agents used clinically for pain relief in patients experiencing bone cancer pain. Because this model so closely mimics the human disease state, the finding that cold allodynia is a prominent symptom (Lee, Seong et al. Yonsei Med J 2005, 46(2): 252-9) strongly supports the concept that TRPM8 antagonists of the present invention will provide relief of pain associated with human bone cancer.

Example 11 Respiratory Irritant-Induced Models of Cough

Compounds of the formula (I) can be tested in animal models of antitussive activity, according to previously documented and validated methods, such as those described by: Tanaka, M. and Maruyama, K. J Pharmacol. Sci 2005, 99(1), 77-82; Trevisani, M. et al., Throax 2004, 59(9), 769-72; and Hall, E. et al., J Med. Microbiol 1999, 48: 95-98. Testing is conducted in transparent ventilated chambers with a constant airflow of 400 mL/min. The tussive agent (citric acid 0.25 M or capsaicin 30 mM) can be nebulised via a miniultrasonic nebuliser with an output of 0.4 mL/min. The appearance of cough can be detected by means of a tie clip microphone and confirmed by the characteristic posture of the animal. The cough sounds can be recorded and digitally stored. A blinded observer subsequently counts the number of elicited cough efforts. In some cases, animals can be sensitized by pre-exposure to certain agents such as ovalbumin. A test compound can be administered to at the peak of irritant-induced cough to evaluate the antitussive effects of the compound. In addition, prophylactic or multiple dosing regimes can be utilized to evaluate the test compound for modulation of the onset and duration of irritant-induced cough. Variations of these tests predict the antitussive effects of effective clinical agents, including NMDA antagonists such as dextrorphan and dextromethorphan, opioids such as codeine, beta 2 agonists such as salbutamol and antimuscarinics such as ipratropium (Bolser, D. C. et al., Eur J Pharmacol 1995, 277(2-3), 159-64; Braga, P. C. Drugs Exper Clin Res 1994, 20, 199-203). The antitussive action of menthol in both guinea pig and humans Eccles R. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 2003, 3(3): 210-4; Laude E A, et al. Pulm Pharmacol 1994, 7(3): 179-84; Morice A H, et al. Thorax 1994, 49(10): 1024-6) is predictive of the clinical utility of compounds of the formula (I) as antitussive agents.

Example 12 Chemical Irritant-Induced Models of Itch, Contact Dermatitis, Eczema and Other Manifestations of Dermal Allergy, Hypersensitivity and/or Inflammation

Compounds of the formula (I) can be tested in animal models of contact dermatitis or itch, according to previously documented and validated methods, such as those described in the scientific literature (Saint-Mezard P et al. Eur J Dermatol 2004, 14(5): 284-95; Thomsen J. S., et al. J Exp Dermatol 2002, 11(4): 370-5; Weisshaar E, et al. Arch Dermatol Res 1998, 290(6): 306-11; Wille J J, et al. Skin Pharmacol Appl Skin Physiol 1999, 12(1-2): 18-27). Mice (or species such as guinea pig or rat) can be sensitized with 25 mL of 0.5% dinitrofluorobenzene solution (DNFB diluted 4:1 in acetone:olive oil immediately before application or other haptens, such as 12-myristate-13 acetate, picryl chloride, oxazolone, capsaicin, arachidonic acid, lactic acid, trans-retinoic acid or sodium lauryl sulfate) painted to the shaved dorsal skin or untreated (controls). Five days later, 10 mL of 0.2% DNFB a nonirritant dose) can be applied onto both sides of the right ear and the same amount of solvent alone onto the left ear. Ear thickness can be monitored daily using a caliper. Compounds of the formula (I) can be administered at the peak of inflammation to evaluate the anti-allergy activity of compounds. In addition, prophylactic or multiple dosing regimes can be utilized to evaluate the test compound for modulation of the onset and duration of anti-allergy activity. Variations of these tests can predict the anti-allergy and itch activity of effective clinical agents. The ability of these models to predict the therapeutic effect of compounds in human dermal conditions is supported by the cross-species ability of serotonin to induce itch (Weisshaar E, Gollnick H Skin Therapy Lett 2000, 5(5): 1-2,5). Additionally, the contact sensitizing property of commercially important drugs and the ability of ion channel modulators to prevent and treat skin sensitization in these models (Kydonieus A, et al., Proceedings of the International Symposium on Controlled Release of Bioactive Materials 24^(th): 23-24, 1997) demonstrate the therapeutic utility of compounds of the formula (I) in dermal sensitization.

Example 13 Chemical Irritant-Induced Models of Rhinitis and Other Manifestations of Nasal Hypersensitivity and/or Inflammation

Compounds of the formula (I) can be tested in animal models of rhinitis, according to previously documented and validated methods, such as those described in the scientific literature (Hirayama Y, et al. Eur J Pharmacol 2003, 467(1-3): 197-203; Magyar T, et al Vaccine 2002, 20(13-14): 1797-802; Tiniakov R L, et al. J Appl Physiol 2003, 94(5): 1821-8). Testing can be conducted in mouse, guinea pig, dog or human in response to intranasal challenge with one or more irritants such as cold air, capsaicin, bradykinin, histamine, pollens, dextran sulfate, 2,4-tolylene diisocyanate, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Pasteurella multodica or acetic acid. In some cases, animals can be sensitized by pre-exposure to certain agents including, but not limited to, ragweed or ovalbumin. Prior to or following irritant administration, the test subject can receive, respectively, the prophylactic or therapeutic administration one or more times of compounds of the formula (I), or vehicle control, by the enteral or parenteral route. Significant differences indicative of nasal rhinitis or sensitization for the test compound-treated subjects compared with vehicle-treated subjects can be taken as evidence of anti-rhinitis activity. Independent variables include dose, frequency and route of administration, time interval between prophylactic or therapeutic test compound administration and irritant challenge as well as sex and non-sex genotype of the test subject. The intimate role of neurogenic inflammation in these hypersensitivity states demonstrates that compounds of the formula (I) desensitize or block the sensitization underlying these disease states.

Example 14 Conflict-Induced Models of Anxiety, Panic Disorder and Other Non-Adaptive Stressful or Phobic Responses

Compounds of the formula (I) can be tested in animal models of anxiety, panic disorders and other non-adaptive responses, according to previously documented and validated methods, such as those described by Cryan and Holmes (Cryan J F, Holmes A. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2005, 4(9): 775-90) or Braw et. al. (Y. Braw et al. Behav Brain Res 2006, 167: 261-269). Specifically, for studies in rats, the following apparati may be utilized: an open-field arena (62 cm×62 cm) enclosed by opaque walls (30 cm high) and plus-maze consists of two open arms, 50 cm×10 cm, and two enclosed arms, 50 cm×10 cm×40 cm with an open roof, arranged such that the two arms of each type are opposite each other. The maze is elevated to a height of 70 cm. The walls of the enclosed arms are made from black Plexiglas, while the floors from white Plexiglas. Videotape recordings can be analyzed using the ‘Observer’ system (Noldus Information Technology). A subject rat can be removed from its home cage, weighed and placed gently in the center of the open-field arena. The rat can be allowed to explore the open-field freely while its behavior is videotaped for 5 min. Afterwards, it can be transferred to the plus-maze and placed at the center, facing a closed arm. The rat's behavior can again be videotaped for 5 min, after which it can be returned to its home cage. The apparatus can cleaned using a 70% ethanol solution between rats.

Open-field and plus-maze measures can be grouped into two behavioral classes, namely ‘anxiety-like behaviors’ and ‘activity’. Open-field behavioral measures may include 1) Anxiety measures: % time in center square, % number of entries to center square (from total squares entered), % time freezing, latency to first freezing (freezing is scored when the subject is in an immobile state for at least 3 seconds; and 2) Activity measures: Total squares entered, number of rearings (standing on two hind legs), latency for first rearing. Plus-maze measures may include 1) Anxiety: % time in open arms, % number of entries to open arms (from total entries), number of unprotected head dips, latency to enter open arm; and 2) Activity: Total entries to all arms. Anxiety-like behaviors and activity can be analyzed by one-way ANOVA's on each of the measures, for each the between-subject comparisons. Plus-maze analyses can be conducted in a similar fashion.

Testing may also be conducted in mouse or rat in this fashion in order to measure avoidance of other aversive environmental stimuli such as Geller or Vogel anticonflict tests, the light/dark test and the hole-board test (see Cryan J F, Holmes A. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2005, 4(9): 775-90). Prior to environmental exposure, the test subject can receive the prophylactic administration one or more times of compounds of the formula (I), or vehicle control (e.g. 10% Solutol in sterile water), by the enteral or parenteral route. The cumulative time or number of times spent engaged in the aversive behavior can be measured. Significant differences in one or more of these measures for the test compound-treated subjects compared with vehicle-treated subjects can be taken as evidence of anxiolytic activity. Because these models are pharmacologically validated by the effectiveness of clinically useful anxiolytics (Cryan J F, Holmes A. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2005, 4(9): 775-90), they will be useful for the detection of anxiolytic compounds of the formula (I).

Example 15 Bladder Pressure- and Hypertrophy-Induced Models of Urinary Incontinence

Compounds of the formula (I) can be tested in animal models of urinary incontinence according to previously documented and validated methods, such as those described by in the scientific literature (Kaiser S, Plath T, (Metagen Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Germany DE Patent 10215321; McMurray G, et al. Br J Pharmacol 2006, 147 Suppl 2: S62-79). TRPM8 is expressed in human prostate, testicle, seminiferous tubules, scrotal skin and inflamed bladder (Stein R J, et al. J Urol 2004, 172(3): 1175-8; Stein R J, et al. J Urol 2004, 172(3): 1175-8; Mukerji et al. BMC Urology 2006, 6:6). Excitation of TRPM8 receptors through cooling or application of menthol causes contraction in the bladder and a decrease in micturation threshold volume (Tsukimi Y, Mizuyachi K, et al. Urology 2005, 65(2): 406-10). To assess compounds of the formula (I) for potential urinary incontinence activity, Sprague-Dawley rats are surgically implanted with bladder catheters allowing for the delivery of fluid (typically saline) and the monitoring of pressure (using a pressure transducer). Cystometry recordings can be monitored with a polygraph to evaluate voiding interval, threshold pressure, bladder capacity, bladder compliance, and the number of spontaneous bladder contractions. For example, the bladder catheter can be connected to a Harvard infusion pump, and bladders perfused overnight with saline at 2 mL/h. The next morning the bladder catheter can be attached (using a “T” connector) to a Statham pressure transducer (Model P23Db) and to a Harvard infusion pump. A plastic beaker attached to a force displacement transducer (Grass FTO3) can be placed under the rat's cage to collect and record urine volume. The cystometric evaluation of bladder function can be started by infusing saline (20 mL/h) and after the first micturition the infusion is maintained for 20 min. Two hours after the first cystometry period, the rats can be dosed orally with compounds of the formula (I) and a second cystometry is performed between 30 min and 4 h after administration of test compound. The appropriate vehicle (e.g. 10% Solutol in sterile water) can be similarly administered to groups of rats that served as controls and the cystometry can be performed at the same respective time points.

Compounds of the formula (I) can also be evaluated under conditions of bladder hypertrophy and instability. Under anesthesia, a silk ligature is tied around the proximal urethra of rodents producing a partial outlet obstruction and subsequent hypertrophied bladder development within 6-9 weeks (Woods M. et al., J Urology 2001, 166:1142-47). Cystometry recordings can then be evaluated as described above. Such preclinical procedures are sensitive to compounds having clinical utility for the treatment of urinary incontinence (Soulard C, et al. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 1992, 260(3): 1152-8), and the activity of compounds of the formula (I) in this model would be predictive of clinical utility.

Example 16 In Vivo Model for Cold-Enhanced Central Pain States

Injury to the brain or spinal cord, such as that caused by trauma, interrupted blood flow or neurodegenerative diseases, often precipitates a central pain condition. Examples of such injuries characterized, in part by, a hypersensitivity to cold stimuli include multiple sclerosis (Morin C, et al. Clin J Pain 2002, 18(3): 191-5; Svendsen K B, et al. Pain 2005, 114(3): 473-81), stroke or cerebral ischemia (Greenspan J D, et al. Pain. 2004, 109(3): 357-66) and spinal cord injury (Defrin R, Ohry A, Blumen N, Urca G. Pain 2001, 89(2-3): 253-63; Defrin R, et al. Brain 2002, 125(Pt 3): 501-10; Finnerup N B, et al. Anesthesiology 2005, 102(5): 1023-30). Each of these conditions may be readily modeled in animals for assessment of the ability of compounds of the formula (I) to mollify the hypersensitive state. For example, a spinal cord injury (SCI) can be performed in adult Sprague-Dawley rats having a body weight of 150-200 g at time of surgery (Erichsen et al. Pain 2005, 116: 347-358). The rats can be anaesthetized with chloral hydrate (300 mg/kg, i.p., Sigma, USA) and a catheter can be inserted into the jugular vein. A midline skin incision can then be made along the back to expose the T11-L2 vertebrae. The animals can be positioned beneath a tunable argon ion laser (Innova model 70, Coherent Laser Products Division, Calif., USA) operating at a wavelength of 514 nm with an average power of 0.17 W. The laser light can be focused into a thin beam covering the single T13 vertebra, which can be irradiated for 10 min. Immediately before the irradiation, erythrosin B (Aldrich, 32.5 mg/kg dissolved in 0.9% saline) can be injected intravenously via the jugular catheter. Due to rapid metabolism of erythrosin B, the injection can be repeated after 5 min in order to maintain adequate blood concentrations. During irradiation, the body core temperature can be maintained at 37-38° C. by a heating pad. After irradiation the wound can be closed in layers and the skin sutured together.

SCI rats can be routinely tested for the presence of pain-like behaviors from 3-4 weeks after surgery. The fur of the animals can be shaved at least a day prior to examination of the cutaneous pain threshold to avoid sensitization of the skin receptors. During testing, the rats can be gently held in a standing position by the experimenter and the flank area and hindlimbs can be examined for hypersensitivity to sensory stimulation. On the day of drug testing, SCI rats can be administered drug according to the experimental schedule and the time course of pain-like behaviors can be measured. To test for the presence of cold allodynia, ethyl chloride or acetone can be sprayed onto the skin of the animals, often that which has been previously determined to be sensitive to mechanical stimulation by von Frey filament testing. The subsequent response to cold stimulation can be observed and classified according to the following scale: 0, no visible response; 1, localized response (skin twitch) without vocalization; 2, transient vocalization; 3, sustained vocalization. Kruskal Wallis ANOVA on ranks can be used to analyze the overall effects of non-parametric data obtained in response to cold stimulation following pretreatment with either compounds of the formula (I) or vehicle.

Example 17 In Vivo Model for Post-Anesthetic Shivering

Spontaneous post-anesthetic tremor that resembles shivering is common during recovery from anesthesia. Risks to postoperative patients include an increase in metabolic rate of up to 400%, hypoxemia, wound dehiscence, dental damage, and disruption of delicate surgical repairs. The etiology of spontaneous post-anesthetic tremor is most commonly attributed to normal thermoregulatory shivering in response to intraoperative hypothermia. In most operating and recovery rooms, shivering is controlled by the use of humidifiers, warming blankets, and inhalation of humidified heated oxygen. However, pharmacological control is an effective alternate treatment modality (Bhatnagar S, et al. Anaesth Intensive Care 2001, 29(2): 149-54; Tsai Y C, Chu K S. Anesth Analg 2001, 93(5): 1288-92). Compounds of the formula (I) may be assessed for their ability to mitigate post-ansethetic induced-shaking by using animal models such as that described by Nikki et al (Nikki P, Tammisto T. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 1968, 12(3): 125-34) and Grahn (Grahn, D A, et al. J Applied Physiology 1996, 81: 2547-2554). For example, Wistar rats (males, weighing 250-450 g) may be surgically implanted with an EEG/EMG recording array to assess post anesthetic tremor activity. The EEG electrodes are located bilaterally 2 mm off midline and adjacent to bregma and lamda. Following a one-week recovery period, frontal-occipital EEG, raw EMG, and integrated EMG activities, as well as three temperatures (skin, rectal, and water blanket temperatures during anesthesia), and ambient temperature post-anesthesia can be monitored throughout the experiment using copper-constantin thermocouples. The EEG and EMG signals can be recorded on polygraph paper (5 mm/s, Grass model 7E polygraph) and, during recovery from anesthesia, the EEG is computer scored in 10 second epochs as either synchronized: high amplitude (0.100 μV), low frequency (1-4 Hz dominated) activity characteristic of slow-wave sleep (SWS-like) or desynchronized: low amplitude (75 μV), high frequency (5-15 Hz dominated), characteristic of waking and rapid-eye-movement sleep (W-like). The EMG activity can be quantified as the averaged summed voltage/time interval by processing the raw EMG signal through an integrator (Grass model 7P3, 0.5 s time constant). On the day of an experiment, the animal can be placed in a small acrylic box (15×15×15 cm) and exposed to a halothane vapor-air mixture (4% halothane). Immediately after the induction of anesthesia, the animal can be removed from the enclosure and subsequently anesthetized through a nose cone. Following cessation of anesthesia, two stages of recovery can be judged: emergence from anesthesia and restoration of behavioral activity (behavioral recovery). Emergence from anesthesia may be defined as an increase in tonic EMG activity and a change in the EEG from a SWS-like pattern to a W-like pattern. Behaviorally, recovery has occurred when the animal rises from a prone position and initiated coordinated movements. The time intervals from termination of anesthesia to emergence and behavioral recovery can be measured in all animals. Time interval data can be subjected to a repeated measure analysis of variance, and the Scheffe's method can be employed for testing differences between pairs of means.

Example 18 Cold-Evoked Cardiovascular Pressor Responses

Compounds of the formula (I) can be tested in animals and humans for their ability to mitigate cardiovascular pressor responses evoked by cold exposure. Seasonal environmental cooling is directly associated with elevated blood pressure and an increased incidence of coronary events in human populations worldwide (Barnett, A G et al. J Epidemiol Community Heath 2005, 59 551-557). Cold-evoked pulmonary hypertention and cold aggravation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are clinical indications succeptible to heightened cardiopulmonary sensitivity to cold (Marno P et al. Eur Respiratory Review 2006, 15 (101): 185.; Acikel M et al Int J of Cardiol (2004) 97: 187-192). The clinical cold pressor test assesses changes in blood pressure (BP) and cold pain perception during a 2-3 minute immersion of one hand into ice water. This test may be utilized to characterize analgesic compounds (Koltzenberg M et al. Pain 2006, 126(1-3): 165-74) and to assess cold hypersensitivity (Desmeules J A et al. Arthritis Rheum 2003, 48(5): 1420-9). Compounds of the formula (I) can be studied in an anesthetized rat cold pressor paradigm to determine whether TRPM8 antagonism would interfere with the blood pressure pressor response to cold stimulation of the forepaws. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (300-450 g) anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital are instrumented with a jugular catheter and an indwelling carotid artery cannula connected to a pressure transducer. Vehicle (e.g. 20% HPbCD in sterile water) or test compound is infused (1 mL/kg) over one minute through the intravenous catheter. Ten minutes later both forelimbs are packed in crushed ice for 5 minutes. Alternatively, the test compound and vehicle treatments may be administered orally at an appropriated time prior to the surgical cannulations and cold challenge. Percent changes in mean arterial pressure in response to this cold stimulus are calculated for vehicle and test compound pretreatments. Percent inhibition attributed to treatment with test compound is then determined using the following formula: % Inhibition=[1−(cold evoked % change in BP post-test compound/cold evoked % change in BP post-vehicle)]×100.

Example 19 Cold-Induced Vasoconstriction: Ramifications for Tissue Perfusion

Damage may occur to a bodily tissue when blood flow is compromised or interrupted. Reasons for vascular compromise include peripheral vascular disease (Lamah M et al, European journal of vascular and endovascular surgery (1999), 18(1), 48-51), prior traumatic or frostbite injury, Raynaud's syndrome (Lutolf, O et al Microvascular research (1993), 46(3), 374-82), diabetic neuropathy (Forst T et al, Clinical science (London, England: 1979) (1998), 94(3), 255-61.), surgical intervention and autonomic dysregulation (Gherghel D et al, Investigative ophthalmology & visual science (2004), 45(10), 3546-54). In the case of marginal resting perfusion, vasoconstriction as enchanced by cool temperature may aggravate symptoms and potentiate tissue injury (Cankar K et al, The Journal of hand surgery (2000), 25(3), 552-8; Lutolf 0 et al Microvascular research (1993), 46(3), 374-82.). Several of these conditions may be readily modeled in animals to assess of the ability of TRPM8 antagonists such as compounds of the formula (I) to preserve tissue perfusion in the face of local cooling. For example, laser Doppler assessment of skin blood flow may be studied in the paws of anesthetized rats (Hord A H et al, Anesthesia and analgesia (1999), 88(1), 103-8), wherein the paw is subject to a series of decreasing temperatures steps as applied by physical contact with a Peltier cooling element under computer control. The laser Doppler measures skin perfusion in the face of cooling—induced vasoconstriction thereby generating a temperature×perfusion relationship. Systemic administration of a TRPM8 antagonist is anticipated to shift this curve toward preserving perfusion at reduced temperatures relative to vehicle pretreatment. This activity is envisioned to be therapeutic in protecting tissue from hypo-perfusion and ischemia thereby minimizing the associated symptoms (e.g. pain) and potential tissue damage.

While the foregoing specification teaches the principles of the present invention, with examples provided for the purpose of illustration, it will be understood that the practice of the invention encompasses all of the usual variations, adaptations and/or modifications as come within the scope of the following claims and their equivalents. 

We claim:
 1. A method for treating a disease, disorder, or condition that is affected by the modulation of TRPM8, comprising the step of administering to a mammal in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of a TRPM8 antagonist of Formula (I)

wherein Y is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, bromo, chloro, C3-6 cycloalkyl, and C1-6 alkyl; R1 is i) C1-6alkyl wherein C1-6alkyl is unsubstituted or substituted with one substituent that is C3-6cycloalkyl or trifluoromethyl; or ii) phenylmethyl wherein the phenyl ring is unsubstituted or substituted with one to three substituents each of which is independently selected from the group consisting of chloro, fluoro, bromo, C1-4alkyl, C1-4alkoxy, trifluoromethoxy, C1-4alkoxycarbonyl, C1-3alkylthio, trifluoromethylthio, cyano, trifluoromethyl, C1-3 alkylsulfonyl, trifluoromethylsulfonyl, and C1-3 alkylcarbonyl; with the proviso that not more than two of the substituents are selected from the group consisting of C1-4alkoxy, trifluoromethoxy, C1-4 alkoxycarbonyl, C1-3alkylthio, trifluoromethylthio, cyano, trifluoromethyl, C1-3 alkylsulfonyl, trifluoromethylsulfonyl, and C1-3 alkylcarbonyl; R2 is one substituent selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1-4 alkyl, chloro, fluoro, and trifluoromethyl; with the proviso that R2 is other than 5-trifluoromethyl; R3 is i) C1-3alkyl wherein C1-3alkyl is unsubstituted or substituted with one substituent selected from the group consisting of carboxy, methoxycarbonyl, trifluoromethyl, and methoxy; ii) —(CH2)2NRARB wherein RA and RB are each independently C1-6alkyl; or, RA and RB are taken together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached to form piperidin-1-yl; iii) phenyl substituted at the 4-position with pyrazolyl; wherein the point of attachment of the heteroaryl is through a nitrogen heteroatom; iv) phenyl wherein phenyl is unsubstituted or substituted with one or two substituents each of which is independently selected from the group consisting of chloro, fluoro, bromo, C1-4alkoxy, C1-4alkoxycarbonyl, carboxy, and C1-3 alkyl; or v) pyridin-3-yl substituted at the 6-position with morpholin-4-yl; provided that a compound of Formula (I) is other than the compound wherein Y is methyl, R1 is 4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R2 is 7-trifluoromethyl, and R3 is phenyl; or the compound wherein Y is hydrogen, R1 is 4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R2 is 6-chloro, and R3 is 4-carboxyphenyl; and enantiomers, diastereomers, and pharmaceutically acceptable salt forms thereof.
 2. A method for treating a disease, disorder, or condition that is affected by the modulation of TRPM8, comprising the step of administering to a mammal in need of such treatment a therapeutically effective amount of a TRPM8 agonist of Formula (I)

wherein Y is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, bromo, chloro, C3-6 cycloalkyl, and C1-6 alkyl; R1 is i) C1-6alkyl wherein C1-6alkyl is unsubstituted or substituted with one substituent that is C3-6cycloalkyl or trifluoromethyl; or ii) phenylmethyl wherein the phenyl ring is unsubstituted or substituted with one to three substituents each of which is independently selected from the group consisting of chloro, fluoro, bromo, C1-4alkyl, C1-4alkoxy, trifluoromethoxy, C1-4alkoxycarbonyl, C1-3alkylthio, trifluoromethylthio, cyano, trifluoromethyl, C1-3 alkylsulfonyl, trifluoromethylsulfonyl, and C1-3 alkylcarbonyl; with the proviso that not more than two of the substituents are selected from the group consisting of C1-4alkoxy, trifluoromethoxy, C1-4 alkoxycarbonyl, C1-3alkylthio, trifluoromethylthio, cyano, trifluoromethyl, C1-3 alkylsulfonyl, trifluoromethylsulfonyl, and C1-3 alkylcarbonyl; R2 is one substituent selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1-4 alkyl, chloro, fluoro, and trifluoromethyl; with the proviso that R2 is other than 5-trifluoromethyl; R3 is i) C1-3alkyl wherein C1-3alkyl is unsubstituted or substituted with one substituent selected from the group consisting of carboxy, methoxycarbonyl, trifluoromethyl, and methoxy; ii) —(CH2)2NRARB wherein RA and RB are each independently C1-6alkyl; or, RA and RB are taken together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached to form piperidin-1-yl; iii) phenyl substituted at the 4-position with pyrazolyl; wherein the point of attachment of the heteroaryl is through a nitrogen heteroatom; iv) phenyl wherein phenyl is unsubstituted or substituted with one or two substituents each of which is independently selected from the group consisting of chloro, fluoro, bromo, C1-4alkoxy, C1-4alkoxycarbonyl, carboxy, and C1-3 alkyl; or v) pyridin-3-yl substituted at the 6-position with morpholin-4-yl; provided that a compound of Formula (I) is other than the compound wherein Y is methyl, R1 is 4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R2 is 7-trifluoromethyl, and R3 is phenyl; or the compound wherein Y is hydrogen, R1 is 4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R2 is 6-chloro, and R3 is 4-carboxyphenyl; and enantiomers, diastereomers, and pharmaceutically acceptable salt forms thereof.
 3. A method for treating neuropathic pain in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of Formula (I)

wherein Y is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, bromo, chloro, C3-6 cycloalkyl, and C1-6 alkyl; R1 is i) C1-6alkyl wherein C1-6alkyl is unsubstituted or substituted with one substituent that is C3-6cycloalkyl or trifluoromethyl; or ii) phenylmethyl wherein the phenyl ring is unsubstituted or substituted with one to three substituents each of which is independently selected from the group consisting of chloro, fluoro, bromo, C1-4alkyl, C1-4alkoxy, trifluoromethoxy, C1-4alkoxycarbonyl, C1-3alkylthio, trifluoromethylthio, cyano, trifluoromethyl, C1-3 alkylsulfonyl, trifluoromethylsulfonyl, and C1-3 alkylcarbonyl; with the proviso that not more than two of the substituents are selected from the group consisting of C1-4alkoxy, trifluoromethoxy, C1-4 alkoxycarbonyl, C1-3alkylthio, trifluoromethylthio, cyano, trifluoromethyl, C1-3 alkylsulfonyl, trifluoromethylsulfonyl, and C1-3 alkylcarbonyl; R2 is one substituent selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1-4 alkyl, chloro, fluoro, and trifluoromethyl; with the proviso that R2 is other than 5-trifluoromethyl; R3 is i) C1-3alkyl wherein C1-3alkyl is unsubstituted or substituted with one substituent selected from the group consisting of carboxy, methoxycarbonyl, trifluoromethyl, and methoxy; ii) —(CH2)2NRARB wherein RA and RB are each independently C1-6alkyl; or, RA and RB are taken together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached to form piperidin-1-yl; iii) phenyl substituted at the 4-position with pyrazolyl; wherein the point of attachment of the heteroaryl is through a nitrogen heteroatom; iv) phenyl wherein phenyl is unsubstituted or substituted with one or two substituents each of which is independently selected from the group consisting of chloro, fluoro, bromo, C1-4alkoxy, C1-4alkoxycarbonyl, carboxy, and C1-3 alkyl; or v) pyridin-3-yl substituted at the 6-position with morpholin-4-yl; provided that a compound of Formula (I) is other than the compound wherein Y is methyl, R1 is 4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R2 is 7-trifluoromethyl, and R3 is phenyl; or the compound wherein Y is hydrogen, R1 is 4-trifluoromethoxyphenylmethyl, R2 is 6-chloro, and R3 is 4-carboxyphenyl; and enantiomers, diastereomers, and pharmaceutically acceptable salt forms thereof.
 4. The method of claim 3 wherein the neuropathic pain is due to cancer, a neurological disorder, spine or peripheral nerve surgery, a brain tumor, traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord trauma, a chronic pain syndrome, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, a neuralgia, lupus, sarcoidosis, peripheral neuropathy, bilateral peripheral neuropathy, diabetic neuropathy, central pain, neuropathies associated with spinal cord injury, stroke, ALS, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, sciatic neuritis, mandibular joint neuralgia, peripheral neuritis, polyneuritis, stump pain, phantom limb pain, a bony fracture, oral neuropathic pain, Charcot's pain, complex regional pain syndrome I and II (CRPS I/II), radiculopathy, Guillain-barre syndrome, meralgia paresthetica, burning-mouth syndrome, optic neuritis, postfebrile neuritis, migrating neuritis, segmental neuritis, Gombault's neuritis, neuronitis, cervicobrachial neuralgia, cranial neuralgia, geniculate neuralgia, glossopharyngial neuralgia, migrainous neuralgia, idiopathic neuralgia, intercostals neuralgia, mammary neuralgia, Morton's neuralgia, nasociliary neuralgia, occipital neuralgia, red neuralgia, Sluder's neuralgia, splenopalatine neuralgia, supraorbital neuralgia, vulvodynia or vidian neuralgia.
 5. The method of claim 3 wherein the neuropathic pain is neuropathic cold allodynia.
 6. The method of claim 5 wherein the neuropathic cold allodynia is pain arising from spine and peripheral nerve surgery or trauma, traumatic brain injury (TBI), trigeminal neuralgia, postherpetic neuralgia, causalgia, peripheral neuropathy, diabetic neuropathy, central pain, stroke, peripheral neuritis, polyneuritis, complex regional pain syndrome I and II (CRPS I/II), or radiculopathy. 